[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6342403,"mediaKeyId","2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d","parentId",2255205,"title","Pet‑store ban draws sharp testimony from rescues, shops and retailers","audioSeconds",9327,"startMs",7160000,"endMs",16487000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d&start=7160&end=16487","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d/thumbnail_7160000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6342403/Connecticut/Petstore-ban-draws-sharp-testimony-from-rescues-shops-and-retailers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342403-8b2fd99630d504b3baf11b157d8f2ca8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023724&Signature=nAxpXf0dvIaUZ9jXPBs-13G02odO6mO85o97GKW~GCcQpjN8C0zvFZ5m-J79~8ScSUm6mh9mkKuOfYT7QlmdVa0eNzUDg~uPYx6lGkAPP4mrVHcBQnUVwQN7aPw8rWPvJqn86nidCuqF5NE7msMk3KkeOGJIZxCQhQgLE37NDzW2gR5ZeEbIn9OvosTxpuccDgZQuNRZSvg3LbXCn99ZqJTPR8WL3eEYrhlB85aOY9~UXtaX8a6-6jMGnQdAG~Kyy0SDToajHkgyLzwcmEcAhdsz2VsDgwTpUU4e3yrLp~sdOuwt1Y4D5ZjfOa8gHrWn6Mxw4Fm0e8RoumJaeqWSng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CGA - General Law Committee","date","2025-02-10T00:00:00Z","article","The General Law Committee heard hours of sharply contested testimony on Feb. 10 over HB 5112, a bill that would prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in Connecticut pet stores and, proponents say, cut the commercial “puppy‑mill to pet‑store” pipeline.

Animal‑welfare groups and rescues urged the committee to pass the ban. Annie Hornish, Connecticut state director of the Humane Society of the United States, said New York’s new law stopped 60+ pet stores from retailing dogs and cited records showing many Connecticut pet‑store animals come from large out‑of‑state commercial breeders. Rescue leaders described cases in which puppies purchased at retail later required intensive veterinary care or turned out to have breeder records linking them to facilities with documented violations.

\"Pet‑store sales create demand for industrial, high‑volume breeding,\" said Kristin Rochel of Lucky Dog Refuge (Stamford). She and other rescuers said pet‑store customers are often first‑time buyers who would benefit from adoption counseling and post‑adoption support rather than high‑volume retail sales.

Pet‑store owners, trade advocates and the American Kennel Club opposed a ban. Pet‑store witnesses said Connecticut already enforces strict rules: pet stores must source from USDA‑licensed breeders, maintain veterinary records, and display breeder and health information. Pet store owners described repeated breeder visits, weekly veterinary checks, product warranties and customer return policies; industry witnesses said a provincial ban would merely drive consumers to unregulated online sellers, backyard breeders or interstate markets with no consumer protections.

Several lawmakers raised the middle ground: tightening enforcement, stronger sourcing rules, or expanding penalties for deceptive online reseller storefronts rather than a broad ban. Representatives Turco and Ciccarella asked whether a ban would reduce unscrupulous breeders or simply move commerce to less transparent channels; rescues said it would reduce demand and cause fewer litters over time, while store owners warned of lost small‑business jobs and a new unregulated market.

What’s next: Committee members asked for additional data on imports and on inspection capacity, and for model language used in other states. No vote was taken. Supporters and opponents signaled they will continue to negotiate technical language and potential exemptions.

Sources: public testimony by Connecticut Humane Society, Lucky Dog Refuge, Safari Sands Pet Center, All Pets Club, American Kennel Club and multiple individual rescuers and pet‑store owners at the General Law Committee hearing (Feb. 10, 2025).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Monday 2.10.2025 General Law Committee Public Hearing","oneSentenceSummary","The General Law Committee heard hours of competing testimony on Feb. 10 about HB 5112, which would bar retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature CT, Connecticut","taxId",77677,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342407,"Lawmakers hear CT witnesses urge ban on sale of drugs and devices used in executions",3056,3729000,6785000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d&start=3729&end=6785","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d/thumbnail_3729000.jpg","/articles/6342407/Connecticut/Lawmakers-hear-CT-witnesses-urge-ban-on-sale-of-drugs-and-devices-used-in-executions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342407-60b08df6e16bfa3494b4900338951ba1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023725&Signature=SCTXCgnLGRDWF9lFDimamXjkkj4xrbSpz3DnxZDL76bLHUGHwZF-QnV2h89hF8H46Pohwik3exL9oe0DQKSq8V1hxAbAtABBWpne5iTd8efEiH5gEVioB6nImcbWYr9IcFfq9Izk~Fv36ZANG7qjNZjXV7rmoI5oOol01YhGLr1USSDNgJqqFQc57nGFEi5sUOpliOAHtBU1bpyWz8BBLZP~fHAxDpZtXgHbiMakykfIbitUavlf~2cdkTmsdFAEc9CLcSDtbKyvA9DoK6TFcMUlGyZMsFmvGmaachS9KbD2gxZOzqSfgvf275J8WEsUNjomER~zWdudH--trC3VQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of witnesses told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that Connecticut should bar companies from manufacturing, selling or distributing drugs and medical devices used in executions elsewhere — a measure supporters say would make the state stop facilitating capital punishment through commercial supply chains.

The bill, Senate Bill 430, would prohibit individuals and companies licensed in Connecticut from manufacturing, testing, selling, compounding, distributing or supplying drugs or medical devices “intended for use in executions.” Supporters said the proposal is narrowly targeted to prevent Connecticut companies from profiting from executions while leaving legitimate medical and commercial uses untouched.

Bianca Teilich, executive director of WorthRises, told the committee that Connecticut‑based suppliers were identified in recent reporting and that firms such as Absolute Standards and a subsidiary of Walter Surface Technologies had connections to lethal‑injection drugs and to respiratory masks used in nitrogen hypoxia executions. Several family members of federal execution victims traveled to testify in person; others testified by video or phone.

\"Connecticut abolished the death penalty in 2012,\" Teilich said. \"Our laws should be consistent with our values. Connecticut corporations should not make products used to enable executions elsewhere.\" She and others pointed to industry controls and public statements by major manufacturers and trade groups that oppose misuse of medical products in executions.

Relatives of federal execution victims spoke emotionally about what they described as inhumane deaths. Jill Brown, whose son Christopher Vialva was executed in 2020, described seeing his final minutes after pentobarbital was administered and urged lawmakers to stop Connecticut companies from further supplying execution drugs. Reverend Bill Breeden, who accompanied a man executed in 2021, described the lasting trauma he experienced after witnessing a federal execution.

Advocacy groups highlighted the forensic and public‑health risks. Matthew Wells of the nonprofit Reprieve told lawmakers that the trade in execution drugs often occurs through opaque, unregulated channels and can generate unsafe products and supply chains that also threaten patient safety if diverted. Reprieve and others said 60‑plus manufacturers of FDA‑approved medicines have publicly adopted policies to block sale for execution purposes, and that passage of SB 430 would align Connecticut with that industry norm.

Opponents — including some industry representatives and witnesses who urged caution — warned about the difficulty of writing narrow language that prevents misuse while preserving legitimate manufacturing and research. Some lawmakers asked about the bill’s reach if a firm simply relocates manufacturing to another state.

Attorney advocates for the bill said the measure is designed to target intentional distribution for execution purposes and would not ban ordinary manufacture or sale where legitimate medical uses exist. Senator Maroney, a co‑sponsor, told the committee staff would provide draft language and that supporters were willing to work with the business community on precise definitions and exemptions.

What’s next: Committee members asked for technical drafting changes and for follow‑up material from proponents and industry on exemptions and narrow language. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Sources: testimony by Bianca Teilich (WorthRises), Lisa Brown (family member of an executed person), Reverend Bill Breeden, Matthew Wells (Reprieve) and others at the General Law Committee public hearing (Feb. 10, 2025).","Dozens of witnesses told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that Connecticut should bar companies from supplying drugs and medical devices used in executions in other jurisdictions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342411,"Attorney General outlines social‑media limits for minors, new consumer policing powers and ticketing disclosures",4294,1774000,6068000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d&start=1774&end=6068","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d/thumbnail_1774000.jpg","/articles/6342411/Connecticut/Attorney-General-outlines-socialmedia-limits-for-minors-new-consumer-policing-powers-and-ticketing-disclosures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342411-fb014d97b471aa076752ddc41fdce07c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023725&Signature=am3is0uSCKKOstYaLj~43oDPqXcE9Aod9O7SuKg2QJYVlY~1GqPAyMxNm4Suw~GrQDTDVLRCwd2Ozjm8Z-80R3g1lbSj3cBy6~haK8nyRuKhCxOUTb3D6-jEw1t15yUp2c8L4s-bdDThnDW~mDDNIoCG9r~tJHGUJRS5K~sOS4904a0SgfjCxyacYrpvm5HOB811NEQ5JYo-6M5JhPFYPrSBaejhDfOp1oVSN41JUNcZ6GuU5HQYBi3Hj7fhg0eUIf3dZkcYMwm0OmXhSayJJ0gd6mtd-B0lbtTCWf8rZ4AtlN6skzA3maW0jg8EzKhHOroJI4cx0a7ON7NEBsk8sA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Attorney General William Tong told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that his office will press several consumer protection measures this session, including limits on social‑media company algorithms aimed at minors, new disclosure and resale rules for event tickets and an expanded price‑gouging authority he says is needed to reach wholesalers and manufacturers.

Tong said his social‑media bill (HB 6857) would require platforms to default to privacy and activity limits for users under 18: age‑verified parental consent for algorithmic targeting, default privacy settings, notification limits and a default curfew that restricts algorithmic targeting between midnight and 6 a.m., with parents able to opt‑in to relax those limits. He also said the bill would require platforms to report annually the number of minor accounts, parental‑consent rates and average time per day by age and time of day.

“Parents need help,” Tong said in his opening remarks, describing internal industry research he said shows a connection between algorithmic feeds and shortened sleep and increased anxiety among teenagers. He added his office has sued major platforms over targeting and design choices that he said create addiction and escalate harmful content.

Committee members from both parties praised the proposal’s bipartisan momentum but pressed Tong on technical and enforcement questions: how to verify parental consent, how platforms can implement verifiable age gates, and whether schools or parents should bear responsibility if controls are circumvented. Tong said the bill requires “reasonable verification” by platforms and that technology companies already have tools they can repurpose for stronger age verification. Representative Turco asked about the one‑hour‑per‑day limit and how parental overrides would be authenticated; Tong said simple click‑throughs would not suffice and said multi‑factor approaches are required.

Tong also described a package of consumer protection proposals in HB 6858, which he characterized as a grab‑bag of commonly raised problems. He told the committee the bill would require ticket sellers — primary and secondary markets — to publish all fees and to stop deceptive “look‑alike” reseller websites and URLs that impersonate venues. “When a price shows up online, it should be the all‑in price,” he said, adding the bill would require secondary resellers to disclose whether they hold the physical ticket or merely a contract to acquire it.

The attorney general asked the committee to expand his office’s price‑gouging authority (HB 6856) to allow the office to declare an “abnormal economic disruption” and to coordinate with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) when investigating upstream wholesalers or manufacturers who elevate prices during an emergency. Under current law Tong said his office is limited to investigating only the immediate retailer.

“We learned during COVID that complaints mostly concerned wholesaler or distributor conduct, not the local seller,” Tong said, describing egg price spikes and multi‑state investigations. He said the expanded authority would mirror other states and would include a consultative requirement with DCP and DECD but left open whether formal checks on extensions are required. Committee members and industry witnesses asked for clearer statutory definitions and for guardrails on duration and review of any emergency period the attorney general declares.

Industry and trade witnesses — including representatives of convenience retailers, fuel distributors and live‑event venues — told the committee they support consumer protections but urged narrow, precise language. Fuel and propane industry representatives warned that undefined phrases such as “unconscionably excessive” would be impossible for merchants to apply in the moment and could chill ordinary price‑setting. Venue operators and ticket marketplaces supported clear disclosure rules and uniform domain/URL standards to prevent look‑alike scams, and asked the committee to avoid unintentionally blocking legitimate advertising or search results.

What’s next: The committee heard the AG’s testimony but did not vote on any bill. Members signaled they would circulate technical amendments on price‑gouging thresholds, emergency‑declaration procedures, and ticketing domain language. The social‑media proposal drew the most sustained interest and will be a focus in follow‑up sessions.

Sources: Attorney General William Tong testimony to the Connecticut General Law Committee (Feb. 10, 2025); public testimony from event‑industry, fuel and retail witnesses.","Attorney General William Tong told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that his office will press several consumer protection measures this session, including limits on social‑media company algorithms aimed at minors, new disclosure and resale rules for event tickets and an expanded price‑gouging authority he says is needed to reach wholesalers and manufacturers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342393,"Survivor, advocates press lawmakers for bill to let victims cut remote access to vehicles",613,13624000,14237000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d&start=13624&end=14237","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d/thumbnail_13624000.jpg","/articles/6342393/Connecticut/Survivor-advocates-press-lawmakers-for-bill-to-let-victims-cut-remote-access-to-vehicles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342393-83a94e179f16612412a31691df8022ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023725&Signature=J-n2SJYKN8xVUKjYLlkktUGCixvIGb8s8OuYgk2bfhlQQNDM5lI7kP8pUjLIevfxaKJOXXuakJaRzXQLpRDVUA0lTy9D7QvQGUAr3xeozWH5lNKb-vs1KWVR75gS0W3teefNEAK9MqDPU2XbcjXOGaUHvcH3nGl5pRo9~Z2ryQUm0asUZCfUslQTg4E~qeR0OYdIgUT17t1CSm0grIq6toFbHn5gMjG6hlpI5rujazIyqH2XaCiqOL9rKfJ2n6OHXnNOwk1wMU8f0~QAUQZUPpmvyshqxMFcDSNLKEtRiYdNg-NOZ4PcOvc593hDVGrePtvMKJwqf0PiuWIQBH1E7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A survivor of domestic violence told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that remote access features in modern vehicles can be used as stalking tools — and urged lawmakers to pass HB 5162 so victims can more readily revoke third‑party access to location and remote‑control systems.

Marlene Melendez described months in hiding after a restraining order while her abuser tracked or targeted her. ‘‘When I finally made the decision to escape, I thought I would be free. Instead, I found myself facing a new battle,’’ she told the committee, saying she had to change cars repeatedly and feared the abuser’s ability to find and follow her.

The bill would require stronger notice and a revocation path for vehicle owners or victims so that dealerships, manufacturers or service providers must disable remote access to a vehicle’s location or remote control when an appropriate order is presented or under other defined circumstances. Advocates framed the bill as narrowly targeted to protect victims while preserving legitimate, routine uses of vehicle telematics such as emergency crash response, fleet tracking and owner‑authorized services.

Several lawmakers pressed practical questions: how would revocation work if access and accounts were created by prior owners, how fast would a manufacturer or dealer disable access, and what proof would a survivor need to present? Survivors and advocates urged judges, law enforcement and manufacturers to coordinate so any revocation mechanism is fast, low‑cost and respects privacy. Senator Kissel, who has worked on related proposals in prior sessions, said a broader consumer‑privacy bill could incorporate vehicle geolocation as a category of “sensitive data,” but urged immediate steps to protect victims while the larger privacy bill is refined.

What’s next: Committee members asked proponents for draft language clarifying the revocation process, required evidence and emergency procedures; no vote was taken.

Sources: Testimony by Marlene Melendez and others at the General Law Committee public hearing (Feb. 10, 2025).","A domestic‑violence survivor and advocates urged passage of HB 5162, which would let people revoke remote data access to vehicles (location and remote control) when an abuser tries to use that connection to stalk or endanger them. Witnesses described cases in which buyers or prior owners retained remote access",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6342397,"Lawmakers hear broad support for capping occupational license fees to boost workforce entry",1581,7068000,8649000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d&start=7068&end=8649","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2255205-22295004560ce57441b44efed56bc17d/thumbnail_7068000.jpg","/articles/6342397/Connecticut/Lawmakers-hear-broad-support-for-capping-occupational-license-fees-to-boost-workforce-entry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6342397-dbfa88d359ba71742531cbfb5de75dcb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023725&Signature=lMkAxepBIS-mcTLJIwG8BapEHSBIgxpUqkfmNL4H0XAveiIMEs~Dk3Q-MkYQY2EqvEIml-tRLkfn7fkXla~d6qOVDjEXPHrh7EiYkqplEYOPVHcPWM4EYM4~jkBXC6LT0PdUizGSsLdOrUsONfZ1PB0wsfGvgHFE2eScnmrVpLrOkAQhH1Hi7dVBCMSPZnKAGt4JgSEJnePr92jr7fvAiiu0pwBilA8Ys~xY3vDlQoyToNWjb7b8wuClLj2Vnwz96cFdXiGKKkKIYocXgFpVHWR7Ym1om~uzFw1LqtE-FdRpViB6joiGxtB~Z5KW6Qtq0Sy45onmlQo9Ez0TBx6xSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers told the General Law Committee on Feb. 10 that capping certain occupational license fees could ease entry into in‑demand work and help address staffing shortages.

SB 611 would establish maximum charges for dozens of licenses, permits and registrations administered by state agencies. Supporters — including business groups, municipal officials and a stream of legislators — said Connecticut’s fees are out of step with neighboring states and act as a de facto tax on people trying to enter trades and professions. Representative Tina Corpus cited Legislative Research comparisons that showed Connecticut CPA annual license fees at $565, more than three times similar northeastern states.

Senators and representatives from both parties urged the committee to move the measure. “You shouldn’t have to pay to go to work,” said Representative Steve Weir, who noted the bill would pick up where a vetoed prior‑session measure left off. Senators Fazio and others also linked fee reductions to efforts to recruit educators, tradespeople and other licensed workers the state needs.

Business groups including the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and testimony from Bonnie Stewart of the Connecticut Society of CPAs supported fee relief while urging careful drafting to avoid unintended impacts. Opponents were limited in number at the hearing; several members emphasized the need to quantify fiscal impacts and to coordinate with the governor’s similar proposals in the budget.

What’s next: Committee members asked for fiscal details and comparisons across states. The bill has broad bipartisan interest, and sponsors said they will work with Appropriations and DCP to target the largest barriers and to estimate impacts on licensing agency funds.

Sources: public testimony at General Law Committee hearing (Feb. 10, 2025) from Representative Steve Weir, Representative Tina Corpus, Senator Fazio, Bonnie Stewart (CT Society of CPAs), Connor Norris (WVU regulatory research center) and Matthew LaBizetta.","Senators and House members heard bipartisan backing for SB 611, a bill that would cap or reduce many occupational licensing fees. Supporters including business groups and lawmakers said the fee cuts would lower barriers into in‑demand jobs and help Connecticut retain and attract workers, especially for trades and","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pet‑store ban draws sharp testimony from rescues, shops and retailers

Lawmakers hear CT witnesses urge ban on sale of drugs and devices used in executions

Attorney General outlines social‑media limits for minors, new consumer policing powers and ticketing disclosures

Survivor, advocates press lawmakers for bill to let victims cut remote access to vehicles

Lawmakers hear broad support for capping occupational license fees to boost workforce entry