Session Notes: April 27, 2026

Key Takeaways
- Rep. Dauphinais Shares Her Thoughts on 2026 Bills.
Here are a few bills I wanted to touch on that passed through the House of Representatives last week-
H.B. 5043 An Act Concerning Convertible Pistols, Unfinished Frames or Unfinished Lower Receivers, Voluntary Relinquishment of Firearms and Ammunition, And Refundability of Permits For Sale At Retail Of Firearms And For Carrying Of Pistols And Revolvers:
The House passed this controversial bill, which prohibits future sales of certain handguns in Connecticut. I opposed it because it unfairly targets law-abiding gun owners rather than addressing violent crime. The measure faced bipartisan opposition from lawmakers who share concerns about government overreach, which has been on full display this legislative session.
H.B. 5044 An Act Establishing Connecticut Vaccine Standards:
This bill takes away parental authority and individual religious freedoms regarding vaccines. The legislature also granted power to the Public Health Commissioner to set vaccine regulations—no one person should have that authority. The bill also interrupts a legal lawsuit in the middle of the process which is even more concerning to me.
H.B. 5374 An Act Concerning Health Coverage Mandates for Certain Health Conditions:
While this bill may appear to be something we should all support, it includes four separate mandates, each of which could raise our premiums by as much as $100 or more per year.
H.B. 5468 An Act Concerning the Provision of Parent-Managed Learning:
Last Thursday, the supermajority of Democrats passed the homeschooling bill through the House of Representatives as expected. Although this bill was "watered down," I can’t help but think this is just the tip of the iceberg on this subject. The office of child advocacy said- this is just a start. Homeschooling families across our state should not let their guards down as we head into 2027 and beyond.