Carpino’s Local Health District Legislation Passed by Legislature

HARTFORD – State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) successfully shepherded a bill proposal through the General Assembly to address local concerns regarding health districts.

Carpino submitted the bill to protect her constituents from future issues such as those that plagued the Chatham Health District earlier this year. The Public Health Committee heard from Portland residents and Carpino on the need for stronger protections and took favorable action on a similar proposal earlier in the legislative session that increased oversight.

“This legislation adds a level of protection for residents of towns, such as Portland, that are incorporated into local health districts,” explained Rep. Carpino. “If there is reasonable suspicion of an impropriety in the health district, the Department of Public Health (DPH) will have clear authority to intervene and protect members of the health district. I commend the efforts of my colleagues on the Public Health Committee for helping to create good public policy.”

In order to better protect residents in the future, Carpino also included language focusing on best practices on how local health districts can better serve Connecticut residents. The Commissioner of Public Health shall review the general statutes governing local health departments and districts to determine whether they need revising and submit such determination to the General Assembly.

HB 5537 – AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH STATUTES passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. It now goes to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

###