Several of Rep. Lanoue’s Legislative Priorities Advance with Strong Bipartisan Support

Three bills now await further action by the General Assembly

Hartford – As the committee phase of the 2026 legislative session begins to wind down, several of State Representative Brian Lanoue’s (R-45) key priorities are already moving forward with strong, unanimous bipartisan support.

The Labor and Public Employees Committee passed H.B. No. 5497 - An Act Establishing a Task Force to Study the Effects of Artificial Intelligence on the Trades Industry and Requiring a Study of a Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program, out of committee last week. A section of that bill crafted by Rep. Lanoue creates a task force of trades professionals, CTECS administrators, engineers, technology designers, and AI experts to study how artificial intelligence will affect Connecticut’s trades programs and training. The group will identify gaps in current training and certification and recommend how to integrate AI related skills, so current and future tradespeople remain competitive in a changing economy and work environment.

On March 17th, the Public Safety and Security Committee passed S.B. No.373 - An Act Allowing a Personal Income Tax Deduction for Stipends Paid to Volunteer Firefighters, Volunteer Fire Police Officers, and Volunteer Ambulance Members. The bill would make up to $2,000 in stipends for volunteer firefighters, fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members exempt from the state income tax. The goal is to better support, recruit, and retain volunteer first responders who provide critical services in communities across Connecticut. During the committee’s public hearing on the bill, retired Griswold Fire Chief Tom Holowaty, and Jewett City Captain Rich Waselik provided powerful testimony in support of this legislation sharing compelling and invaluable perspectives. The concept has been a top priority of Rep. Lanoue's that was introduced over the last several sessions.

"I want to thank the committee for passing this bill, and I give them credit for addressing this important matter,” said Tom Holowaty. “I look forward to this bill being take up for debate and a vote in the Senate, the House, and eventually being signed into law by Governor Lamont.”

 Finally in the Energy and Technology Committee, S.B. No. 246 - An Act Requiring a Study of Natural Gas Rates for Commercial and Agricultural Customers will await additional action in the Senate. The bill directs the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commissioner to study the creation of a separate natural gas demand charge category for farmers and agricultural operators, shifting from an annual to a quarterly (three month) assessment. The commissioner must report findings to the legislature by January 2027. The hope is that this study will institute a legislative fix by creating a special category for farmland and agricultural operators (as defined in CT statute 12-107c) in a future session.

 “The strong bipartisan support for these bills shows that when we focus on practical solutions which support our trades professionals, standing with our volunteer first responders, and helping our farmers manage energy costs. During challenging times, it is my hope that we can move Connecticut forward together with bold solutions,” Rep. Lanoue said. “I’m grateful to committee leadership and members on both sides of the aisle for working with me to advance these priorities. I understand there are many bills to consider, and I am so appreciative of all the time and effort that was put into getting them advanced.”

 The 2026 Legislative Session adjourns on May 6th, 2026, at midnight. 

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State Representative Brian Lanoue Represents the 45th General Assembly District, including the towns Griswold, Ledyard, Lisbon, Preston, and Voluntown.

State Rep. Brian Lanoue and Lou DeMicco from Jewett City Greenhouses during the February 26th Energy & Technology Committee Public Hearing

Appearing in the photo left to right is Griswold Fire Chief Tom Holowaty, State Representative Brian Lanoue, and Jewett City Captain Rich Waselik