The Connecticut General Assembly wrapped up its 2019 regular session on Wednesday, June 6th with a flurry of bills passed in both chambers shortly before the House and Senate adjourned Sine Die.
In the end, many of the big ticket pieces of legislation Gov. Lamont and Democratic leaders had prioritized on the campaign trail did not materialize. Tolls, legalized sports betting, legalized recreational marijuana, and an increase in the state’s renewable portfolio standard all failed to make it to a vote on the floor of either chamber.
Despite falling short on those issues, however, the Democrats still racked up some significant accomplishments. After years of attempts, legislation authorizing a comprehensive paid family medical leave program was finally passed in both chambers. Lawmakers also voted to raise the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour, authorized the procurement of 2000 MW of offshore wind energy, and raised the smoking age to twenty-one.
What’s next now that the regular session has wrapped up? Lawmakers will head back to their districts to rest and meet with constituents, and will then be called back for at least two special sessions. One session will cover tolls, and the other will cover bonding and school construction.
