Christie 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.”

State Reps. Carpino & Klarides-Ditria Visit Connecticut Humane Society, Highlight Commitment to Animal Welfare

HARTFORD — State Representatives Christie Carpino (R-32) and Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) and other interested legislators spent a few hours touring the Connecticut Humane Society on Thursday, meeting with staff, volunteers, and caretakers dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and placing animals in forever homes. During the visit, the lawmakers saw firsthand the organization’s medical care operations, adoption programs, and behavioral support services that ensure animals receive not only shelter, but comprehensive care and rehabilitation. The leadership at the Connecticut Humane Society asked the group of legislators in attendance to consider legislation on ways to finance the housing of animals caught in situations where they need to be removed from their homes. “The Humane Society is a tremendous resource for families and for vulnerable animals,” said Rep. Carpino, who adopted her puppy from the CT Humane Society last year. “Their compassion, professionalism, and advocacy make a real difference in our communities. I am grateful for their work and honored to support their mission.” Rep. Klarides-Ditria, who is the Co-Chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of state partnership. “Our visit was a reminder of how critical this organization is to animal safety across Connecticut. From veterinary care to adoption services, the Humane Society goes above and beyond. We will continue to champion policies that strengthen their ability to serve.” The representatives thanked the staff and volunteers who dedicate thousands of hours to caring for animals in need and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting humane treatment policies, responsible pet ownership, and programs addressing animal cruelty. The Connecticut Humane Society, founded in 1881, remains the state’s leading resource for domestic companion animal services, providing medical treatment, adoption, and community education.