Posted on March 21, 2024
HARTFORD— On Tuesday, State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45), announced three bills that he introduced during the 2024 legislative session have advanced out of various committees and now await further action on the House Floor.
Earlier this month, during a Children’s Committee Public Hearing, compelling testimony from Alicia and Matthew Jackson prompted the committee to advance H.B. No. 5263, An Act Requiring a Report Concerning the Placement of Children Pursuant to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, for further action. This bill would form a task force to examine the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC). This concept is important to research if other states have too much control over placement of children from Connecticut without our state being able to independently investigate. Additionally, language was added to the legislation based on Rep. Lanoue’s recommendations to include Child Advocate Sarah Eagan to the taskforce with the DCF Commissioner and the Chief Court Administrator. Also, it will now examine the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), in addition to the ICPC.
In the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs, H.B. No. 5404, An Act Concerning Military Training and Experience and the Driver’s License Endorsement to Operate Fire Apparatus, passed unanimously. This proposed bill would help streamline the bureaucracy on certifications for active-duty military personnel and fire departments regarding Q license endorsements by granting reciprocity with the proper military certifications. Active-duty military personnel and recent veterans would have the opportunity to apply their skills locally, by operating fire apparatus with departments across Connecticut. This new proposal offers the opportunity for our veterans and service members to continue serving their communities right here at home and help local departments with recruiting new volunteers with a history of service.
“This bill is a no brainer,” said Rep. Lanoue. “This legislation will go a long way to streamline red tape and help our active-duty military and veterans from maintaining a continuity of service in the firefighting service as well as help our local and paid departments across the 45th District and throughout Connecticut. I want to especially acknowledge House Ranking member Kurt Vail, and House Chair Anthony Nolan, for working so closely with me to get this language right and to make a good bill even better.”
In another effort to help recruit and retain fire and Ems volunteers in Connecticut, the Public Safety Committee advanced H.B. No. 5281, An Act Allowing a Personal Income Tax Deduction for Stipends Paid to Volunteer Firefighting or Emergency Medical Services Personnel, out of committee. This proposed bill would help with recruiting and retaining volunteer Firefighters and EMS personnel with the hopes of giving people a little more incentive to serve their communities and establish a state income tax exemption on the first $2,000 in stipends for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel that is used to promote recruiting and retention. This bill has received bi-partisan support in past sessions and Rep. Lanoue is determined to see this critical piece of proposed legislation through.
“I have been a fierce supporter and lead proponent on this legislation for many years. This will go a long way, paired with my Q endorsement legislation to help recruit and retain our volunteer firefighters throughout Connecticut. I want to thank and congratulate the Public Safety Committee for acting so swiftly and favorably on H.B. 5281,” Rep. Lanoue concluded.
The 2024 Connecticut Legislative Session adjourns on May 8th. State Representative Brian Lanoue proudly represents the towns of Griswold, Ledyard, Lisbon, Preston, and Voluntown.