Tracy Marra

Promoting Literacy During the Week of the Young Child

Sitting "criss-cross" on the floor with the children, State Rep. Tracy Marra took part in Week of the Young Child activities by reading two books to two separate classes at Norwalk's Read To Grow Preschool. As a longtime proponent of literacy and education, Rep. Marra jumped at the opportunity to read to the children, and even brought a copy of one of her childhood books to share. She explained that as a little girl she very much enjoyed reading with her grandmother, and "The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings" by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey was her absolute favorite. The second book she chose, "Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima, detailed the hilarious confusion and learning opportunities of a unicorn living under the sea with a group of Narwhal whales! Both books focused on the theme of being yourself and appreciating one's own individuality.

Rep. Marra, Lt Governor Bysiewicz, Attorney General Tong, DCP, DESPP, DMHAS Highlight Recent Controlled Substance Regulation Changes, Enforcement Efforts, Addiction Support

Kratom, Tianeptine and Five Other Substances Are Now Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, Must Be Removed from Shelves by Wednesday. Resources are available for those struggling with addiction. State Representative Tracy Marra joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Byseiwicz, Attorney General William Tong and state officials from the Department of Consumer Protection, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Resources, and Connecticut State Police highlighted recent changes that designated several substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances in Connecticut, effective Wednesday, March 25, 2026. These products come in a variety of consumable products, including beverages, tinctures, pills, gummies, and more. All products containing any of the following recently scheduled substances are illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute: Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), including its leaves, stem and any extracts 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH, a kratom derivative) Bromazolam Flubromazolam Nitazenes, including, but not limited to, isotonitazene Tianeptine Phenibut “I’m so proud to be a part of a team that truly prioritizes the health, well-being, and safety of our residents, and who have worked tirelessly to see these dangerous substances removed from our shelves,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “With false marketing that led consumers to believe these are safe products, and with candy-like flavor options, these substances posed a clear threat to those battling substance use disorder and our youngest residents. This schedule change is a necessary step in our continued efforts to combat addiction.” Attorney General William Tong announced today he has sent letters to all known distributors and manufacturers of Kratom products to ensure full awareness and compliance with the law. “As of Wednesday, it will be illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute these drugs, including Kratom and tianeptine, sometimes referred to as gas station heroin,” said Attorney General William Tong . “These products are unsafe, untested, and if you see them, do not purchase them and call the police. Today, I am mailing letters to every known distributor and manufacturer of these substances to ensure full awareness and compliance with the law. These companies are on notice—if you sell in Connecticut, we will know, and we will hold you accountable.” “These substances have no approved medical use and have been widely available for sale in establishments easily accessed by children and other vulnerable populations,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. “These products were never regulated, tested, or otherwise deemed safe for human consumption, but have been marketed as health products, misleading people to assume they are safe when, in fact, they are addictive, have a high potential for misuse, and pose a serious threat to public health and safety. It has been a team effort to designate these products as controlled substances, stand up enforcement protocols and also ensure that people who need support for withdrawal aren’t left behind, and we are grateful to our sister agencies and community partners for their efforts.” “As Connecticut takes this important step to protect residents from the harms of kratom and similar substances, it is essential that individuals and families know that support is available,” said DMHAS Commissioner Nancy Navarretta. “Kratom use is more common than many realize, and the risks are often misunderstood. No one should hesitate to reach out for help. Treatment works, and recovery is absolutely possible. If you or someone you care about needs help, support is available. You can call the Access Line at 1-800-563-4086 or dial 2-1-1 to be connected with services immediately.” “The classification of kratom as a Schedule I substance in Connecticut is a clear line in the law,” said Col. Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer, CSP. “The Connecticut State Police will not tolerate its illegal sale or distribution. Those who choose to ignore the law should expect enforcement action, including arrest and prosecution. We are committed to protecting our communities and will act decisively to uphold the law.” “Making these addictive substances illegal in Connecticut is a major step forward for the protection of our children and sends a strong message that we will not tolerate attempts to flood our state with cheap, synthetic opioid-like substances that introduce teens and young adults to a lifetime of long-term substance abuse disorder," said Rep. Tracy Marra, a trained pharmacist. "We've done our part to remove these dangerous compounds from convenience stores and local shops, now it's time for our neighboring states and the federal government to do the same." “Through multiple environmental scans, the STEPS Youth Council identified kratom as an emerging concern among youth and took action,” said Kristin Sandler, Outreach Coordinator for Southington STEPS. “Students were particularly troubled by the product’s appeal to young people and how easily it can be accessed in retail settings, especially when compared to other substances that are regulated in the state to limit youth access.” The Legislative Regulation Review Committee approved regulations in February to designate these substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances. Businesses still offering these products for sale should: Remove them from shelves immediately. Prior to March 25, 2026, return all products to your wholesaler or destroy the products. Information about how to destroy unwanted controlled substances can be found on the Department of Consumer protection website. Individuals struggling with addiction to these or any other substances can find information about available services, including treatment, withdrawal management and rehabilitation programs by visiting the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website. Questions about controlled substances can be directed to DCP’s Drug Control Division by email DCP.DrugControl@ct.gov .

Public Hearing for HB 5426 the "Katie Meyer's Bill" Gets Local Support from Wave Strong

It was a busy day in Hartford but also very important for our college bound young adults as the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee heard testimony on HB 5426 - An Act Requiring the Availability of an Advisor During Disciplinary Proceedings at Institutions of Higher Education. This proposal, similar to California's "Katie Meyer's Bill," would require colleges and universities to allow students facing a disciplinary hearing or other action to have an advisor or supporter appear with them. I want to thank Laura Bremer and Andrea Callagy, of Wave Strong for their continued advocacy and testimony in support! Read more about the bill here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05426&which_year=2026 Wave Strong: https://wavestrong.org/

Rep. Marra: PROTECT School Children, SUPPORT HB 5327!

In response to a very difficult situation involving a teacher in her district, Rep. Tracy Marra proposed education reform legislation that will protect school children by modifying what information is included in the mandated disclosure of a former employer to a hiring school district, and by requiring disclosure of any open or pending investigation of abuse or neglect or sexual misconduct of potential employees. During the Wednesday public hearing before the Education Committee , Rep. Marra delivered emotional testimony before discussing the measure's implications and statewide reach with several members of the Committee, including Rep. Haines whose daughters were taught by the accused when he previously worked in a different town. The measure has tremendous support in Darien and the surrounding community, and statewide, and is expected to move swiftly through the committee process and be called for a vote in the House of Representatives. In his public testimony on the bill, Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Eric Byrne said H.B. 5327 "is an essential step toward ensuring that future employing school districts have critical information made available to them about an applicant’s background as they decide whom to entrust with the care of our students." You can read the full text of the proposed bill at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05327-R00-HB.PDF WATCH Rep. Marra's FULL testimony and the discussion by clicking below.

Make your voice heard in Hartford! Join Rep. Marra for two HOW TO TESTIFY webinars

The legislature is getting incredibly busy with committee meetings, public hearings, and session days. As we continue to discuss and debate new proposals, I'm hoping you'll be able to spare a few minutes of your time to lend your voice of support on two important bills I proposed that are up for public hearings in recent weeks. In advance of those public hearings, I will be hosting TWO separate Zoom webinars to discuss these important issues in more detail, including the process on how to sign up to testify before the legislature either in person or online. The first public hearing takes place on March 4th on a bill to strengthen state law regarding notifications to school boards and administrators when a teacher transfers from one district to another. The second public hearing is scheduled for March 5th on Connecticut's version of the "Katie Meyer's" law that recently passed in California and is designed to support college students who may be struggling and need a dedicated advocate. Click here to sign up for the: "Katie Meyer's bill" webinar, or the protecting kids webinar . I hope you'll join me on Zoom to learn more about these proposals and how to testify!