HARTFORD—State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45) announced his comprehensive legislative proposals for the 2026 regular session that began on February 4. These concepts will be discussed in the Connecticut General Assembly's short session, with the goal of advancing these concepts into committee bills.

A top priority of Rep. Lanoue's that was introduced over the last several sessions is a provision to exempt the first $2,000 from any state taxes on stipends for volunteer firefighters, fire police, and EMT personnel in Connecticut. The concept has had far-reaching bipartisan support in past sessions, and with the state's volunteer responder enrollment declining across the state, the hope is that this potential legislation would help maintain current enrollment and add additional incentive for recruitment in the future. The concept will once again receive a public hearing in the state legislature's Public Safety Committee.

The Energy and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing on a concept he introduced that would require natural gas companies to amend their commercial demand charges by replacing the current 12-month maximum daily quantity period with a quarterly adjustment period for farmers, agricultural growers and producers—saving money for these people who may not use natural gas year-round. This issue was brought to the attention of Rep. Lanoue by a constituent of his who owns and operates greenhouses and a florist shop. Another concept that was drafted following the Protect CT Farmers Forum at the State Capitol in January was a request that the Environment Committee raise a bill to impose a moratorium on Public Act 490 values and establish a working group to make recommendations to increase survey responses through proper notice and a public information campaign. These two pro-agriculture concepts will go a long way in helping our farmers thrive here in Connecticut.

"Over the past several sessions serving as your state representative, I have done my best to introduce legislation that reflects the priorities of the residents of the 45th District. It is my hope that these proposals will be carefully considered and that my colleagues will recognize the importance of these vital legislative initiatives," said Rep. Lanoue. "I would like to thank the co-chairs and ranking members of the relevant committees for their support of certain concepts, which are important to the 45th District, eastern Connecticut, and our entire state. I look forward to listening to and reviewing all testimony on these proposals, closely following their progress, and working with committee members as this legislation develops.“

Rep. Lanoue has also introduced the following concepts for consideration: 

· Require the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System to update its lottery so students involved in trades-based programs and student organizations receive the same placement priority as enrolled siblings and children of school employees.

· Require parental notification prior to a minor girl obtaining an abortion. It should be noted that Judiciary Committee Co-Chair Rep. Steven Stafstrom committed to a public hearing on the matter during the 2025 legislative session House floor debate on a similar amendment.

· Establish a task force to study the impact of artificial intelligence on the size and scope of state government's workforce.

· Study the effect of artificial intelligence on the trades industry in Connecticut.

· Permit private athletic associations to maintain the integrity of women's sports by prohibiting biological males from competing in female-only athletics.

· Honor Griswold resident Franklin Delano Steven Everett for his friendship and the awareness he has brought to the trucking community by naming a popular Griswold commuter lot where he has brought joy to passing truckers and motorists.

· Amend the Connecticut General Statutes to create a task force to study how electric distribution companies, like Eversource, may be reconstituted to increase accountability and offer more options to ratepayers, such as the possible expansion of municipal electric distribution.

 The 2026 regular session adjourns at midnight on May 6.

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