Can You Make A Difference?
To do this we need to influence those who make the laws and policies concerning children and families. It doesn't matter what party you support , we need you to get involved.
Questions? Email us at legislative@cafap.com or via telephone at 1.800.861.8838.
2010 Legislative Summary
The legislative session came to an end on Wednesday, May 5th. Much of the session related to budget mitigations. Many bills were presented regarding children. One that passed is the Act Concerning the Children in the Recession, HB 5360, which puts CT ahead of the nation in looking at the effects of the recession on children. Another is SB 31 which brings CT in compliance with the Fostering Successes federal legislation by keeping children in their original schools whenever possible when they enter DCF care. The Act Concerning Safe Haven cases added specifics to the bill to cover areas that have been problematic since the first bill became law. HB 5313, An Act Concerning Education and the Reduction of Domestic Violence also passed. SB 316. An Act Establishing a Commission on Nonprofit Health and Human Services passed. Several education bills passed, including HB 5425 An Act Concerning Special Education, and HB5426 An Act Concerning Individualized Education Programs. These bills still need to pass the governor’s signature to become law.
The bills that we supported did not pass. The Foster Parent Bill of Rights passed the Senate and was on the House Calendar but was not raised for a vote. The Access to Original Birth Certificates bill did not make it out of committee.
The legislature may meet in a special session to consider the Citizen’s Election Fund bill. This bill was passed in the previous legislature but has been deemed unconstitutional by the CT Supreme Court. Once they know what the court is questioning, they will reconsider the bill.