Rep. Brian Lanoue Introduces Bills Addressing Major 2019 Issues
HARTFORD – State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-Griswold, Lisbon Plainfield, Sterling, Voluntown) has submitted legislation addressing major issues affecting his constituents ranging from a proposed state gun range to patient protection and background checks for overnight camp counselors.
Perhaps the most contentious issue in the 45th District involves a proposal to build a state gun range in Griswold.
“The proposed state gun range has been a huge concern for residents of Griswold and Voluntown,” said Rep. Lanoue. “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the process, especially Senator Heather Somers and Tim Herbst. It is our hope that Governor Lamont follows through on his opposition to building the gun range in Griswold. Public safety is a top priority and our state troopers need to have a suitable facility for training purposes, but Griswold is not the right location. Residents have made it clear that they do not want this to happen, citing noise concerns as well as the potential impact on their property values. Between that and the effect this could have on tourism at Pachaug Forest, the economic implications for our communities could be costly. We need to improve conditions in eastern Connecticut, and this is not going to help.”
Lanoue’s bill, H.B. 5453, An Act Concerning the Location of Firearm Training Facilities, would prohibit the construction of a firearm facility if the property was purchased or leased after January 1st, 2015 and if the property in question is a state park or forest. The bill would also require the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to conduct a study regarding firearms training needs before land can be leased or purchased for the purposes of building a gun range.
Beyond the gun range debate, Rep. Lanoue has identified additional matters in his district that are shared by communities statewide – namely, the opioid crisis.
“We all know of someone who struggled with, or lost their life to, addiction,” said Rep. Lanoue. “It’s a terrible disease, but we can do something about it. My colleagues in Hartford and so many other across Connecticut have made great strides to combat this public health crisis. I hope to build on that progress in 2019. I have submitted a bill expanding the CRISIS Pilot into Windham County (Troop D), which has a mental health professional attached directly to the Troop to handle the mental health piece. A second bill involves the Quality of Life Task Force assigning two more officers undercover to identify and apprehend drug dealers, bringing them to justice.”
Rep. Lanoue has also submitted legislation reducing red tape in Connecticut to encourage market entry and promote job growth. H.B. 5415 would require that three regulations be repealed for every new regulation that is added – something that he believes is critical to jumpstart Connecticut’s economy.
Although Rep. Lanoue will be pushing hard for tax and regulatory reform, he acknowledges there are certain areas where limited government oversight is necessary, especially when it comes to the safety of children. One bill in particular, H.B. 5165, would require background checks for counselors at overnight camps.
“I was shocked to learn there is no law requiring background checks for overnight camp counselors,” added Rep. Lanoue. “These individuals are entrusted with protecting our children, yet they are not required to undergo proper vetting? That is unacceptable. Parents should feel comfortable sending their kids to camp knowing that the employees have no prior record. It’s just common sense.”
Others bills on the docket for Lanoue address education funding, second amendment rights and taxation on businesses. H.B. 5168, An Act Prohibiting the Executive Branch from Making Rescissions or Other Reductions to a Town’s Education Cost-Sharing Grant During the Fiscal Year – a bill similar to one vetoed by then-Gov. Malloy in 2018. Another proposal, H.B. 5227, An Act Concerning the Regulation of Firearms by Municipalities, would prevent local governments from imposing additional regulations on responsible gun owners who are already subject to state law. Finally, Lanoue has introduced H.B. 5191, An Act Eliminating the Business Entity Tax, which supports Lanoue’s ambitious agenda to spark economic growth in eastern Connecticut.
Lanoue has also cosponsored legislation withdrawing Connecticut from the National Popular Vote Compact, which was approved last year, and a second bill allowing residents to use deadly force against a home intruder.
Bill proposals were due this week. The next step is for the appropriate committee to schedule hearing dates. At that point, members of the public are welcome to submit testimony for consideration.