[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement after Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, and SeatGeek announced they will begin showing consumers the full price of tickets and fees up front:
“Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s announcement is a step in the right direction, but no substitute for legislation to provide consumers with transparency and prevent companies from imposing ridiculous junk fees. Rather than a voluntary patchwork varying by company, Americans deserve a basic disclosure standard so they can be fully aware of the prices and fees they’re being charged. The days of padding corporate profits by nickel and diming consumers are numbered. We need the Junk Fee Prevention Act to address the price gouging and hidden costs – not just for concerts and sporting events, but for airlines, hotels, and other services.”
In March, Blumenthal introduced the Junk Fee Prevention Act to eliminate excessive, hidden, and unnecessary fees imposed on consumers and require full prices of services be provided upfront ensuring transparency in the ticketing, hotel, and entertainment industries. Blumenthal is also the lead Senate co-sponsor of the BOSS Act, which would provide transparency and regulation to the primary and second live events ticket marketplace.
“Meta’s own failures have made Instagram a safe haven for child abuse,” the senators wrote following The Wall Street Journal’s reporting on the platform’s hosting of a “vast pedophile network” [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Following reporting by The Wall Street Journal about Instagram hosting and connecting a vast network of pedophiles and child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), authors of the Kids Online Safety Act, demanded Meta answer for its failures to protect children on its platforms and efforts to stop and report the heinous crimes. The investigation by the Wall Street Journal, Stanford University’s Internet Observatory, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Recue Lab found hundreds of accounts on the platform were able to openly sell and trade CSAM, including abuse content, illicit sexual acts, and trafficked children. The researchers also found the platform’s algorithms contributed to this problem, flooding users with other child abuse communities. “Instagram was not merely acting as a passive host for predators, but was found to be fostering abuse networks,” Blumenthal and Blackburn wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “Essentially, Instagram was caught brokering child abuse material and helping child predators network together.” The senators said Meta failed to remove illicit hashtags and accounts associated with the pedophile network, which remained on Instagram even after the Journal’s reporting. The letter also documents Meta’s continued rejection of reports of child abuse, confirming the experience of parents and advocates who reported explicit images involving children but were left unanswered for months. “Meta’s inaction has profound real life consequences for children,” the senators wrote. “These reports reflect a dangerous and recurring pattern of Meta failing to catch vile and exploitative material targeting children, despite repeated assurances to Congress and the public that it is cleaning up its platforms.” While Meta has set up an internal task force to address these shortcomings and threats to children, Blumenthal and Blackburn called the response, “anemic” and said the investigation’s findings, “should trouble every young person and parent in America.” Blumenthal and Blackburn also noted that because of Meta’s weak enforcement and poor safeguards, the proliferation of CSAM, sextortion, and other threats to children are worse on Instagram than on other social media platforms. Citing their work on the Kids Online Safety Act, the EARN IT Act, and the REPORT Act, the senators demanded Meta, “provide information regarding the prevalence of child sexual exploitation and the measures it takes to address child safety on Instagram and other platforms it operates.”
BLUMENTHAL, SCHIFF, & MURPHY INTRODUCE BILL TO REPEAL THE GUN INDUSTRY’S LEGAL LIABILITY SHIELD
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) led 78 Members of Congress, including U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and U.S. Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Jason Crow (D-CO), in reintroducing the bicameral Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits.
“The gun industry’s legal immunity has given it a free pass to negligently manufacture and distribute weapons of war – often with devastating consequences for communities across the country,” said Blumenthal. “Repealing PLCAA’s protective shield will hold manufacturers accountable for wrongdoing and allow victims, survivors, and families to seek justice. Those impacted by our gun violence epidemic deserve their day in court. Passing this measure and ending the industry’s sweetheart deal is long overdue.”
“Gun violence continues to take the lives of ordinary Americans every day, because Washington refuses to hold the gun industry accountable. I’m reintroducing my bill to repeal the liability shield that wrongly protects negligent gun makers and dealers from lawsuits. We must not let gun manufacturers get away with reckless practices that have life or death consequences for our kids, our parents, and our neighbors,” said Schiff.
“There’s absolutely no reason why the gun industry should get special treatment when it comes to negligence. Their immunity from lawsuits effectively gives them a license to kill. It’s past time for Congress to repeal PLCAA and allow gun violence victims their day in court,” said Murphy.
“As someone who’s advocated for this concept in Pennsylvania’s legislature and now in Congress, I’m proud to be a co-lead on Congressman Schiff’s bill to restore this basic right of victims and survivors. So many American gun deaths could be avoided if we held these companies accountable for things like illegal sales, defective guns and irresponsible marketing. State attorneys general were able to hold Big Tobacco accountable in the 1990s, and they should be able to hold gun manufacturing companies accountable in the 21st century since thousands of lives depend on it. This legislation would be another tool in the toolbox to protect our citizens from gun violence,” said Evans.
“Gun violence is tearing our communities apart. Victims and survivors should be able to hold the gun industry accountable for negligent behavior, but under current law they’re protected from liability,” said Crow. “The PLCAA further burdens family members who are seeking justice for the loss of their loved ones. We’re introducing this bill to repeal the legislation barring the gun industry from liability and loosen the grip the gun lobby has on our lives.”
When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.
In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.
The legislation is endorsed by Brady United Against Gun Violence, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, Everytown for Gun Safety, Guns Down America, Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund, and March for Our Lives.
“Whether it’s by making their products deadlier, marketing them in irresponsible ways, or continuing to supply rogue gun dealers, the decisions made in the gun industry’s corporate boardrooms have a direct impact on America’s gun violence epidemic,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. “We’re proud to stand with Senator Blumenthal and Representative Schiff as they work to hold the gun industry accountable and ensure they play by the same rules as every other industry.”
“Repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) is long overdue. We cannot continue to allow special carveouts and legal exemptions for gun manufacturers, distributors, and dealers to take away the right of victims of gun violence to have their day in court,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership in introducing the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2023.”
“Firearms manufacturers sell the single deadliest consumer product in this country. More kids are killed by their guns than anything else,” said Elena Perez, Senior Policy Associate at March For Our Lives. “Yet they’re held to a lower standard of responsibility than refrigerator manufacturers, or bicycle manufacturers, or practically any other company in America. Thanks to PLCAA, in America today, the gun industry is above the law. That’s wrong. We’re glad to support this bill to right a terrible wrong, to hold the gun industry accountable, and to give victims of gun violence their day in court.”
“For far too long, the gun lobby has been able to deny survivors of gun violence their day in court because it is one of the only industries in the country that’s been given broad immunity even while it continues to market a product that is leading to thousands of Americans dying every year. I’m grateful for the leadership of Rep. Schiff, Evans, and Crow on this critical issue,” said Shannon Grady, Interim Executive Director of Guns Down America.
“Since PLCAA was passed in 2005, we have lost hundreds of thousands of American lives to gun violence. All the while, PLCAA-enforced barriers have often barred survivors and their families from having access to rightful justice against negligent firearm manufacturers, dealers, and distributors. Until the gun industry is subject to the same accountability as every other industry and incentivized to act responsibly, they will continue to aid and abet this public health crisis robbing us of American lives in the process. Brady is grateful to Congressman Schiff and Senator Blumenthal for reintroducing this vital legislation and forging a path towards justice for those impacted by the gun industry’s harm,” said Kris Brown, President of Brady.
“My 20-year-old neighbor used an AR-15 to hunt and murder 26 children and educators in Sandy Hook Elementary School. The gun industry has produced 13.7 million more AR-15s making $11 billion since the shooting in our community a decade ago. The gun industry will continue to act recklessly to arm mass shooters with weapons of war and allow illegal guns to seep into communities of color as long as they are not held accountable for the blood shed in America. It’s time for Congress to lift the special legal shield that blocks the vast majority of the gun violence survivors from having their days in court. Newtown Action Alliance urges Congress to urgently pass Senator Blumenthal and Representative Adam Schiff’s bill to repeal PLCAA,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance.
“For nearly two decades, the gun industry has enjoyed near-total legal immunity, thanks to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). Because of this immunity, it has been nearly impossible to keep the gun industry in check for its dangerous products and careless industry practices, and victims of gun violence have been unable to seek justice in the court in instances where a gun business acted with reckless or blatantly negligent disregard for public safety. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act will repeal PLCAA and allow the public to hold negligent gun dealers and manufacturers accountable. We applaud Senator Blumenthal and Representative Schiff for introducing this legislation and urge Congress to pass it quickly,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, Federal Affairs Director at Giffords.
(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 24 states supporting stronger protections for patients’ reproductive health information. The Biden Administration is considering adding amendments to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, the federal law that governs the disclosure of protected health information (PHI). If implemented, the changes would make it illegal to share a patient’s PHI if the PHI is being sought for certain criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and proceedings against a patient in connection with a legal abortion or other reproductive care. This is especially important as the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade spurred many anti-abortion states to enforce draconian restrictions that could lead to criminal or civil penalties for anyone seeking, providing, or assisting with reproductive care. The coalition of attorneys general issued a letter welcoming the federal government’s proposed HIPAA amendments and adding that the additional guardrails would help safeguard reproductive health data from being wrongfully accessed and exploited to harm pregnant people or healthcare providers.
“Since the fall of Roe, extremist-led states have weaponized private health records to criminalize patients and doctors seeking and providing abortion care—including federally protected emergency treatment and care provided in states where abortion is legal. Connecticut’s Reproductive Freedom Defense Act was passed to respond to this threat, and I fully support the Biden Administration’s efforts to extend federal privacy protections to all seeking legal abortion and reproductive care,” said Attorney General Tong.
The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, and created a climate of uncertainty and fear among reproductive health care seekers and providers throughout the country. Fifteen states currently have laws in effect prohibiting abortion under all or most circumstances. Everyone involved in assisting, providing, and obtaining such care in those states may be at risk of investigation, civil liability, and criminal prosecution.
Attorney General Tong will host a forum on the anniversary of that decision at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 22 at the Legislative Office Building. He will be joined by Counsels Nunley and Gait, as well as Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, leaders from Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Pro-Choice Connecticut, the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut, the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund, Reproductive Rights Caucus co-chairs Rep. Jillian Gilchrest and Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Sen. Mae Flexer, Sen. Heather Somers and others. See here for more information.
In the letter, the coalition of attorneys general welcomed the proposed HIPAA amendments, which aim to protect against such misuse and weaponization of people’s data. The amendments would prohibit the use or disclosure of PHI for an investigation into a patient in connection with seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating reproductive healthcare if:
• The patient seeking reproductive healthcare is in a state where such care is lawful; or
• The patient is seeking reproductive healthcare that is protected under federal law (for example, by the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act), regardless of the state.
The coalition argues that these provisions are essential to begin creating a more unified privacy landscape for access to reproductive care, and urged the Biden Administration to adopt the provisions speedily. The attorneys general also called for the creation of a nationally available, online platform that provides accurate and clear information on reproductive care and privacy rights, and a public awareness campaign to promote the website.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, and Connecticut State Librarian Deborah Schander today launched a re-envisioned 2023 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge that places a stronger focus on increasing summer reading activities and improved literacy outcomes for all students.
The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is a statewide competition for schools based on student population and grade level. Since 1996, this premier program has encouraged students to read books over the summer months when they are out of school. The summer reading program also supports community initiatives run by local public libraries and recognizes “Outstanding Public Library-School Partnerships.”
This modernization of the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge will be supported by an investment of $370,000 in funding Connecticut Received from the American Rescue Plan Act’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which will be used for the summers of 2023 and 2024. This funding will strengthen the partnership between the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut State Library, and the Connecticut Association of School Librarians, and to continue to support local school districts and public libraries, while building sustainable partnerships between public libraries and school districts that further support improved statewide literacy outcomes and goals.
Specifically, the investment will:
Create supportive reading environments through a summer reading ambassador pilot program, which will bring trained reading ambassadors to barbershops, parks, pediatricians’ offices, laundromats, and other areas where students and families have time to read.
Create a method for participating local libraries and school districts to purchase high-quality reading materials for students and libraries.
Funds a Summer Programs Coordinator at the Connecticut State Library and iRead membership within the Connecticut State Library to strengthen programming year-round.
Additionally, the 2023 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge winning schools will be chosen through a renewed series of metrics. Previously, the number of books read determined winning districts. For the upcoming summer, top performing districts will be chosen by the percentage of total school student population participating in reading activities over the summer months. This change will ensure all students, regardless of native language, reading level, and learning ability, are encouraged to participate and read. The Connecticut State Department of Education will also be tracking the number of library visits by participating students.
Also included in the challenge for the first time this year are Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s StoryWalk experiences. StoryWalk experiences encourage students and families to read while enjoying state and local parks that offer these activities. Metrics will be tracked on the number of StoryWalk experiences visited by students at participating schools.
Governor Lamont said, “Summer reading is not just a pastime, it’s a critical tool for academic success. It helps students maintain and improve their reading skills, while also fostering a love of learning and discovery. But we can’t do it alone. Partnerships between schools and libraries are essential to providing students with access to a diverse range of books, resources, and programs that can help them thrive both academically and personally. By working together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to explore the world through reading.”
Commissioner Russell-Tucker said, “Investing in summer reading programs is critical to our continued commitment to ensuring that all students can read proficiently by the third grade. Research shows that students who do not read during the summer months are at risk of falling behind their peers, particularly in grade-level reading. By providing access to high-quality reading materials with supportive learning environments, we can help foster the joys of reading and ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.”
State Librarian Schander said, “Summer reading is not just about books, but rather a journey of imagination, knowledge, and growth. In this journey, we must ensure that every student has access to the tools they need to succeed. For students with disabilities, audiobooks and graphic novels are just as essential as traditional books, providing unique avenues for learning and self-expression. This reimagined summer challenge will encourage all students to explore the world of literature in their own way and empower them to reach their full potential.”
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said, “The magical outdoor spaces of Connecticut State Parks are the perfect scene for families to enjoy summer reading together. Our new Connecticut State Park StoryWalks, part of our No Child Left Inside initiative, invite children and their caregivers to enjoy the fresh air while going on their own outdoor reading adventure. Exercise, nature, and literacy combine to help families create summer memories and experience our state parks in a new way. The best part is that our StoryWalks will encourage year-round outdoor reading experiences as different books are chosen each season. We are delighted for this statewide partnership and opportunity to encourage more family time in our State Parks.”
(Hartford, CT) — Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz today joined state agency and community leaders to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and highlight the programs and systems in place to support older adults living in Connecticut.
During Thursday’s press conference at Windham Senior Center, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz was joined by Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter, Long Term Care Ombudsman Mairead Painter, Department of Banking Director of Government Relations and Consumer Affairs Matt Smith, State Representative Susan Johnson, Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo, and AARP Connecticut Director Nora Duncan.
“Our state agencies and advocates work hard every day to build strong support in order to protect our seniors and prevent elder abuse in Connecticut. Combating elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation is always of top priority,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate our residents on the resources available to keep our older adults safe and independent. Public awareness is key to strengthening the ability to combat elder abuse.”
Launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of seniors by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic dynamics impacting elder abuse and neglect.
Approximately one in ten Americans age 60+ have experienced abuse. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living.
“When we strive to educate, empower, promote better understanding we can build strong support for our older residents and their families,” said Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter. “We can address elder abuse by putting support systems in place and ensure older adults know their rights, live in strong communities, and retain their independence in ways that are personally meaningful.”
“Protecting seniors from financial exploitation has long been a priority of the Department of Banking,” said Commissioner Jorge Perez. “Through our educational outreach program, we provide information and resources directly to seniors in our community and offer training to financial professionals to recognize the warning signs of financial exploitation of seniors, as well as where to report suspected cases. In addition, we applaud the recent passage of SB 1088 An Act Concerning the Financial Exploitation of Senior Citizens, a department proposal designed to fight elder financial abuse.”
“State officials and our Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut partners continue to demonstrate their commitment to building strong support for older adults in our community,” said State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and Coalition for Elder Justice in Connecticut Member Mairead Painter. “Our networks work together to provide access to information and advocacy, giving older adults and their loved ones resources to help keep them safe, strong and as independent as possible in the setting of their choosing.”
“By working together to raise awareness and pass legislation that protects older adults and enables professionals to stop fraud or abuse before it happens, we make Connecticut a safer place for everyone,” said AARP CT State Director Nora Duncan. “We are pleased that the 2023 legislative session was one that brought success on many fronts.”
“I don’t think it’s a surprise to say that seniors have been really isolated over the last several years. Many of us, especially seniors, are more vulnerable to these types of abuse when you don’t necessarily have help on a regular basis, and some of those trusted allies that you had a continuous relationship with some of that’s faded away a little bit,” said State Senator Mae Flexer. “I’m really grateful to be here with so many organizations that are standing up for seniors.”
“It’s great to host this event right here in the Senior Center, where we establish relationships with each other,” said State Representative Susan Johnson. “And that way we have protections because you know who we are, and we can talk openly about things that occur. You can always contact my office for help, and I can provide the right direction.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. If you feel someone’s trying to cheat you, just ask for help,” said Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo. “If anything happens, we’re here to protect you. We’re here to take care of you.”
By continuing to work together, we can reduce social isolation, protect older adults and families against elder abuse, and build a community that works to the benefit of all. For more information you can visit www.elderjusticct.org.
It is the start of the busy summer travel season and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding the public the CTDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO continues to provide roadside assistance at no cost on weekdays across Connecticut. Each year, the Safety Patrol responds to nearly 15,000 service calls in Connecticut. During the summer, services rendered by the Safety Patrol increase by more than 25%.
“With additional travelers heading across Connecticut this summer season and with more active construction and work zones on the roadways, we need motorists to slow down and pay attention behind the wheel. We want drivers to keep themselves and others safe, but in case someone has any vehicle trouble, they can count on the CTDOT Safety Patrol sponsored by GEICO to be there,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “These professionals are there to help get motorists back on the road as quickly and safely as possible to help prevent crashes or injuries. I appreciate the hard work of our Safety Patrol team members who are delivering this service at no cost to thousands of motorists throughout the state.”
Special white and blue pick-up trucks proactively patrol Connecticut highways on weekdays between 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to assist stranded motorists. Services include changing flat tires, jump-starting vehicles, and moving disabled vehicles to the shoulder. There is never a charge for these services, and Safety Patrol drivers cannot accept tips.
In a recent survey submitted by a Connecticut motorist assisted by the CTDOT Safety Patrol, Christina writes: “I am a realtor, and I was on my way to show houses when I got a flat tire on Interstate 84 and limped the car down an exit ramp onto Route 8 off into the grass…Out of nowhere, an angel named William from the DOT appeared with a half-hour left in his shift, he stopped to see if I was OK…not only was he efficient, he was kind…I was absolutely floored by the experience with William. I honestly had no idea this service existed.”
In addition to assisting stranded motorists, the Safety Patrol works with emergency responders at incident scenes. The Safety Patrol also clears debris from the highway to improve traffic flow and prevent future incidents.
The CTDOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO, vehicles are active on weekdays between 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. along highways, including I-84, I-91, I-95, I-291, I-395, Route 2, Route 7, Route 8, and Route 15.
The CTDOT Safety Patrol is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The CTDOT Safety Patrol program is operated solely by CTDOT personnel who are not authorized to contact GEICO on behalf of the motorists or assist in insurance claims.
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) on Wednesday introduced legislation to extend and expand the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program, which supports the U.S. maple syrup industry through research and education, natural resource sustainability, and the marketing of maple syrup and maple-sap products. The Market Access, Promotion and Landowner Education Support for Your Regionally Underserved Producers (MAPLE SYRUP) Act would extend and increase authorized funding to $30 million for the federal maple support program, and it renames it the Maple Research and Market Promotion Program. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) co-sponsored the legislation.
“There’s nothing better than real New England maple syrup. For years, I’ve fought to support Connecticut’s small maple syrup producers, and the Maple program is key to helping grow their businesses. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is included in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Murphy.
“New Hampshire maple syrup is not only delicious, but it also plays an important role in our state’s economy and identity,” said Shaheen. “Investing in our maple industry is critical to its longevity, as well as the success of Granite State agriculture. I’ll work to include this legislation in the upcoming Farm Bill to ensure our maple producers in New Hampshire and throughout New England have the environmental and economic resources they need for their businesses to thrive.”
“This measure is an investment in the hardworking maple syrup producers in Connecticut and across New England,” said Blumenthal. “The farms, sugar houses, and small businesses that make up the backbone of the industry deserve our support. Expanding resources for research, marketing, and sustainability will put them on a path for success and future growth.”
Legislation Backed by Attorney General Tong Modernizes Anti-Robocall Statutes, Addresses Abuse in Ticket Sales, Ends Anti-Consumer Cable Company Billing Practice, Enhances Location-Sharing Privacy Protections
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong today praised passage in both the state House and Senate of a series of reforms backed by the Office of the Attorney General to strengthen Connecticut consumer protections. The bill includes measures to modernize Connecticut’s anti-robocall statutes, to address abuses in the ticket sale market, to end anti-consumer cable company billing practices, and to enhance privacy protections related to location-sharing data. The bill now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature.
Attorney General Tong thanked Sen. James Maroney, Rep. Mike D’Agostino, Rep. David Rutigliano and Sen. Paul Cicarella for their leadership in the General Law Committee on this bill.
Robocalls
Attorney General Tong has backed new legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s ability to fight obnoxious and intrusive robocalls. The legislation, incorporated into the package now approved by the House and Senate, would modernize the state’s anti-robocall statutes to match new tactics and technology used to inundate Connecticut households with relentless, unwanted calls. Specifically, the proposal expands the statutes to cover text messages, bans “gateway” voice over internet protocol (VoIP) providers from facilitating overseas scammers’ access to the U.S. telecom networks, allows for enforcement action against calls received by Connecticut area codes regardless of where the calls originate, bars telemarketers from contacting Connecticut residents before 9 a.m. and after 8 p.m., strengthens disclosures that telemarketers must make, and clarifies protections provided by the Do Not Call List.
“We’re all sick and tired of the non-stop robocall scams. Our laws need to keep pace with the evolving tactics and technology. This bill is an important step forward towards shutting down the telecom fraud highway and bringing these scammers to justice,” said Attorney General Tong.
Ticket Sales
Following the Taylor Swift ticket sale fiasco, Attorney General Tong proposed reforms to address unfair, anti-consumer ticketing practices in the live event industry. Specifically, the legislation would require the adoption of all-in pricing, where all fees and service charges are disclosed up front so that a consumer can accurately compare the prices of different seats in a venue. It would also require resellers to disclose how much they originally paid for the tickets they are selling.
Connecticut has an active investigation into the live event ticketing industry following widespread concern regarding the recent handling of Taylor Swift concert ticket sales. The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General is unable to comment on that investigation.
“The Taylor Swift concert ticket fiasco was a particularly disastrous example, but these anti-consumer practices have been a longtime problem and need reform. This legislation gives Connecticut new control over this broken industry,” said Attorney General Tong. “We need reform—either through legislatures or the courts.”
Cable Bills
Legislation authored by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and backed by the Office of the Attorney General would prevent cable companies, including fiber optic providers, from charging customers through the end of their billing cycles after they cancel subscriptions. Consumers commonly express frustration that they are charged for cable or internet services after cancellation. This bill appropriately ensures that consumers only pay for telecommunications services they receive.
“My office has received hundreds of complaints regarding Connecticut cable companies. One of the recurring complaints we’ve received involves charges that come after consumers cancel their services. No one wants to pay for something they’ve already decided they don’t want. This pro-consumer bill is an important step toward ending these unacceptable practices,” said Attorney General Tong.
Geolocation Data Privacy
Attorney General Tong proposed new legislation to require companies to notify Connecticut residents when their geolocation data is compromised in a data breach. This information poses significant privacy and security concerns as it can reveal intimate details of an individual’s routines, choices, and beliefs, including personal healthcare decisions.
“Our precise location at any given moment can reveal deeply personal details about our daily routines and choices—including our private healthcare decisions. Companies that collect and maintain this information must do so with great care and concern our privacy and security. Connecticut has strong privacy laws on the books, but we need to ensure they stay up to date with current technology and data practices,” said Attorney General Tong.
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today signed legislation into law creating a system of early voting for general elections, special elections, and primaries in Connecticut.
The legislation, Public Act 23-5, requires 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days of early voting for most primaries, and 4 days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries. It will apply to elections and primaries that occur on or after January 1, 2024. Every municipality in the state will be required to establish at least one early voting location and has the option of establishing more.
Connecticut is one of the last states in the nation to adopt a system of early voting. Now that Governor Lamont has signed this bill, the only states that do not permit early voting are Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire. All other states allow it.
“Encouraging voters to cast a ballot in elections must be a priority for any functioning democracy, and expanding the hours that voters can cast a ballot will give more people an opportunity to get to their polling place and vote,” Governor Lamont said. “In today’s economy, it is not realistic to expect every eligible voter to travel in person to one specific location during a limited set of hours on a Tuesday to cast their ballot. Nearly every other state in our country has early voting, and I am glad that Connecticut is finally joining them. Based on the results of last year’s election during which Connecticut voters were asked whether they want early voting, it is clear that this is something people here are demanding. I applaud the bipartisan members of the General Assembly who voted to send this bill to my desk, and I thank the advocates – including former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas – for their efforts to work with our municipalities to create this system. I am glad to put my signature on this bill.”
“Many people do not have the privilege of taking time off work, coming in a little late, or leaving a little early to cast their vote on Election Day,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “By giving residents more time to vote, this bill will make it easier for everyone – especially our seniors, students, and working families – to exercise this important constitutional right. I’m proud that Connecticut is catching up to the vast majority of our fellow states that allow for early voting. Thank you to Governor Lamont, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, and so many others who worked to pass this important bill.”
