Christie Carpino

Rep. Carpino Hosts Yellow Envelope Event to Raise Awareness

Earlier this month, State Representative Christie Carpino hosted T.J. Nuccio of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity, and Ashley McClain of Linked – Autism Speaks to share information about Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope program. This event helped to bring awareness to the program and the importance of safety for both first responders and those with disabilities, making sure both feel comfortable if ever needing to interact in what could be a high stress situation. “The Yellow Envelope is a voluntary program that helps drivers and passengers with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments communicate with first responders, reducing miscommunication and sharing vital information in quick and safe ways,” said Rep. Carpino. The Yellow Envelope should be kept in a location that is easy to access in the vehicle. In the event there is an interaction with first responders, the Yellow Envelope can be shared, and it will contain important information about the individuals involved, how to improve communication, and key medical information the individuals want to share. In 2025, Rep. Christie Carpino supported the Yellow Envelope Law. The program helps to bring awareness and trust across communities, creating a safe and calm process for both sides. "Safety and preparation matter at every stage of life. In my work with older adults, I see how having important medical information readily available helps first responders act quickly when every second counts,” said Sarah Elliott-Caratasios, Director of the Portland Senior Center. “I want to thank Sarah and the Portland Senior Center for their partnership and willingness to help get information about this important program to community members in Portland,” said Rep. Carpino.

Carpino & Rutigliano Applaud Vote to Ban “Gas Station Heroin” Kratom

HARTFORD —State Representatives Christie Carpino (32) and David Rutigliano (123) hailed the bipartisan Regulations Review Committee for their vote to approve regulations banning the sale of kratom in Connecticut, citing serious public health and safety concerns. Kratom, sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin,” is an unregulated substance often sold in Connecticut convenience stores and smoke shops, with little oversight regarding potency, purity, or marketing. “Last year, we raised serious concerns in the General Law Committee about the unchecked sale of kratom in gas stations and smoke shops across Connecticut,” said Rep. David Rutigliano, House Republican Deputy Leader. “This is about protecting consumers — especially young people — from a product that is marketed as harmless but carries real risks. I appreciate the Regulations Review Committee taking action to address this threat.” “Connecticut cannot afford to look the other way while an addictive and potentially dangerous substance, like Kratom, is sold over the counter with no meaningful consumer protections, especially for our kids,” said Rep. Carpino, the House Co-chair of the Regulations Review Committee. “These regulations put public health first and close a dangerous loophole that has allowed kratom products to proliferate in our communities.” The approved regulations will prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom products in the state, aligning Connecticut with growing national scrutiny over the substance.

Carpino Highlights Connecticut’s New Yellow Envelope Law

HARTFORD, CT – State Representative Christie Carpino recently attended a symposium on Connecticut’s new Yellow Envelope Law , hosted by the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, and several partner organizations, including the Council on Developmental Disabilities. The event focused on how the Yellow Envelope Program can help residents with cognitive or physical disabilities have safer, less stressful interactions with first responders during traffic stops or emergencies. In 2025, Carpino supported the Yellow Envelope Law, a bipartisan public safety measure aimed at making everyday encounters a little easier and a lot safer for individuals who may need additional time, support, or different communication strategies. Effective January 1, 2026, the law officially established Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program. Through a partnership between the DMV, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, and first responder organizations, the state is now distributing yellow envelopes and public education materials to help first responders quickly recognize when someone may need accommodations. The yellow envelope is designed to hold essential documents, such as a driver’s license, registration, and insurance card, along with information about a person’s disability or communication needs. Clear instructions printed on the outside help police officers, firefighters, and EMTs understand how best to interact respectfully and safely. “Stressful situations are hard enough on their own,” said Rep. Christie Carpino . “The Yellow Envelope is a simple, common-sense tool. It helps first responders better understand how to communicate with community members. It can ease anxiety, prevent misunderstandings, and make these moments safer for everyone involved.” Carpino added, “It’s easy to use — just keep the envelope in your glove box or on your visor and hand it to a first responder if you’re pulled over or need help. That small step can make a big difference in how the situation unfolds.” According to the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, yellow envelopes will be available at no cost through Connecticut DMV offices, local police, fire, and EMS departments, as well as at community events across the state.

Carpino New Laws January 1st 2026

New Laws... Several new laws take effect January 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below. An expanded list of those new laws, along with summaries, can be accessed here . A summary of some new laws includes: AN ACT CONCERNING PROGRAMMING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND OTHER FARMING AND AGRICULTURE RELATED PROVISIONS Among other things, this bill increases the mandatory property tax exemption for farm machinery, other than motor vehicles, from $100,000 to $250,000 in assessed value. It also creates a 20% refundable business tax credit for farmers’ investments in eligible machinery, equipment, and buildings that may be applied against the corporation business or personal property income taxes; sets eligibility criteria; requires all or part of the credit to be repaid under certain conditions for five years after the property is acquired. AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA TASK FORCE, REQUIRING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BIOMARKER TESTING The provision of the bill taking effect January 1 requires certain individual and group health insurance policies to cover biomarker testing to diagnose, treat, manage, or monitor an insured’s disease or condition AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES This is an omnibus bill covering many topics, but the section taking effect implements the Yellow Envelopes Program. The DMV, in consultation with the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and other specified entities, must develop yellow envelopes and related public awareness materials for people with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities. Among other things, the envelopes must have written information on how first responders can accommodate and effectively interact with these individuals. Other major acts include: An Act Concerning Housing Growth ( H.B. 8002 ) An Act Concerning Various Measures Recognizing and Honoring the Military Service of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces in Connecticut An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Office of Higher Education, Expanding Dual Credit Opportunities and Concerning College Readiness and Remedial Support Programs at the CT State Colleges and Universities and Information Reported to the Credential Database An Act Concerning the Department of Consumer Protection's Recommendations Regarding Lottery and Gaming Regulations Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may benefit from it.

State Rep. Carpino Helps Facilitate Gift Exchange for Ädelbrook Students

Cromwell —Looking to spread some holiday cheer this week, State Representative Christie Carpino (R-32) helped make a Christmas connection by facilitating a gift exchange between the Cromwell Amazon facility and the kids at Ädelbrook Academy, ensuring every student in their care received a special gift chosen just for them. Amazon Cromwell worked with Ädelbrook to fulfill wish lists submitted by the Academy and provide games and toys for children with specific unique needs. Ädelbrook leadership expressed their appreciation for the coordinated effort, noting that the gifts help create a sense of normalcy, comfort, and celebration for their students during the holiday season. Alyssa Goduti, Ädelbrook President & CEO said , “For 125 years, Ädelbrook has been a home for hope and healing for thousands of children and families. We are incredibly grateful to Representative Carpino and to Amazon and as their generosity helps keep our mission alive in real, tangible, and life-changing ways.” "The holidays can be a challenging time for many families, and we're grateful for the opportunity to help bring some joy to the students at Adelbrook Academy," said Wyatt Bosworth, regional policy lead for Amazon in Connecticut . "We hope these gifts help make their holidays a little brighter." The day also coincided with Ädelbrook 's Annual Tree Lighting and the campus-wide Christmas caroling. “Ädelbrook’s staff and Board of Directors works tirelessly to support their students, and it’s an honor to help brighten the season for these kids,” Rep. Carpino said . I want to thank Amazon for being a wonderful community partner. The joy on their faces reminds us of what this time of year is truly about—kindness, community, and caring for one another.”