[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,76,88,98,110],{"_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",6325231,"mediaKeyId","2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5","parentId",2334271,"title","Fire service leaders back 5¢ phone surcharge to fund firefighter cancer relief; lawmakers debate workers' comp alternative","audioSeconds",4013,"startMs",2057000,"endMs",6070000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5&start=2057&end=6070","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5/thumbnail_2057000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325231/Connecticut/Fire-service-leaders-back-5-phone-surcharge-to-fund-firefighter-cancer-relief-lawmakers-debate-workers-comp-alternative","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325231-863f6704ad6aef9a9bbf281693a2d3b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177531&Signature=a6e-B~tzYKYLczIDKzdRhLeEJ2dehJOHNbtnz9ZKp7XgkFYWGCxVJ6abzps9xsdVtD2n3-U35GBI3gpBy8zHaXP-9zsUFhveMRNSYTFkNpgtY6vWNVpVmz8ckj~hrAiCLAySdESTGAAvR4BW5CPDdC1JDPCilzcCqsnm6ZnK0s3nCFNT~zF1jM0TRTydz6PCaBvsqbyhXEvoQ69c9PV-1r9nqeK-A9NSIEp3XxXTuhF669AWC8awDk3tuqTWrYPI2xetxSsDOZjkxNvPxLdCW6DEg8f8qAnqrBG8ojphxIzSdmpXpZsWssMlnCQgwv19cKU7B2Qu~O0XXxXiPw4ruw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CGA - Public Safety and Security Committee","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Local officials, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association, the joint council of chiefs and other unions and municipal leaders testified in favor of Senate Bill 13 18, which would assess a small monthly surcharge on phone service to deposit into the firefighter cancer relief fund.

Selectman Rudy Marconi, representing the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, said the fund was established as a separate mechanism after earlier consideration of workers' compensation proved fiscally risky for municipalities. Marconi described an initial state contribution and continued municipal contributions of $10 per firefighter and said the current balance (testimony cited about $7,000,000) could be quickly exhausted by even one major claim. \"We cannot allow this to happen to the fine men and women who provide this vital service to our municipalities,\" Marconi said.

Marconi and other municipal witnesses argued placing firefighter cancer coverage back into workers' compensation would raise municipal insurance assessments dramatically and ultimately raise local property taxes. Several municipal witnesses said their risk pools and carriers advised that treating presumption claims through workers' compensation would create long‑term liabilities and high rate increases for all municipalities.

First Selectman Carl Fortuna of Old Saybrook, Kerma and municipal officials echoed that a carve‑out fund and a nominal surcharge would provide sustainability while avoiding immediate rate shocks tied to workers' comp. Fortuna said his municipality — which relies heavily on volunteers — would be disadvantaged if costs were shifted into the workers' compensation system. \"I firmly believe, respectfully, believe that it should not be in the workers' comp system,\" he said.

Peter Brown, president of the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association, said occupational cancer is now the leading cause of line‑of‑duty deaths nationally and that since the benefit law took effect in October 2023 the union had seen 35 firefighters file claims but fewer than five accepted. Brown told the committee many claim denials hinge on fund solvency concerns and expressed urgency for a dedicated revenue stream. \"A lot of these claims are not moving forward until we are able to determine a dedicated funding source,\" Brown said.

Union and municipal witnesses repeatedly proposed a 5¢ monthly surcharge on phone lines as a low‑cost funding mechanism. Witnesses gave approximate revenue estimates: testimony suggested 1¢ could generate about $600,000 annually and 5¢ about $3,000,000 (figures described as rough, off‑the‑top estimates). Committee members raised questions about administrative fees, whether carriers would retain a portion of the surcharge, and whether a phone surcharge is an appropriate revenue mechanism instead of a budget appropriation. Witnesses said the surcharge model would be small per household and could be adjusted by statute or oversight committee if claims and costs demanded it.

The joint council and the AFL‑CIO urged the committee to act, citing the moral imperative to support firefighters who routinely face hazardous exposures, including PFAS in turnout gear. The joint council recommended that any fund administration minimize local administrative burden and suggested the fund could also be used for preventative measures if surpluses develop.

Speakers did not report formal votes at the hearing. Committee members asked technical and fiscal questions and said they would continue gathering information, including about third‑party administrative costs and claims handling with municipal carriers such as Kerma, and evaluate options including statutory carve‑outs, dedicated surcharges or general fund appropriations.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Public Safety and Security Committee Public Hearing 2025-02-18","oneSentenceSummary","Municipal officials, the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association and labor groups urged the Public Safety and Security Committee to back Senate Bill 13 18, proposing a 5¢ monthly surcharge on phone service to fund the firefighter cancer relief account and avoid shifting costs into workers' compensation.","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},6325241,"Fire marshal groups support protections for state fire marshal and licensing for restoration firms in HB 6965; DAS opposes some proposed language",292,464000,756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5&start=464&end=756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6325241/Connecticut/Fire-marshal-groups-support-protections-for-state-fire-marshal-and-licensing-for-restoration-firms-in-HB-6965-DAS-opposes-some-proposed-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325241-94600ff3c137a0602beb9e3fb68cfc2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177531&Signature=ojhuNKyaRk0fcWpqvpIzclBnby28JsiNQIWq4Vf01xe~qnHwe7k67p48xI7wUtwEsepsLcYZ37CPN0VRLRSMfax2fKOqS1fGT1giGzzvAg40s3qE95WhtzCOvKrx2ckoC-~2Jj3davO0gymN4gr770QRKmkRI-INqFTpGhO6DaXYi9uiN2vDVQgkiC37lSPWo76M5tbVi1T1vjEMMibsq0DSxgbEKxDeSr0T4R3xSOtlqyuWOiGw~FzyaZwZXlbvSFMqp1X3~mBUpxaR21Nlq0pvgkNq0FwnmVkCcLHgpzfcfigmnYMne6vI23CQFDF8h2Bv4GveeDmoyc2oCnWpeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 6 9 6 5, which contains multiple provisions covering the state fire marshal's appointment and removal process, fire marshal training‑council membership and a proposed license or registration for businesses that perform catastrophic restoration after fires.

Michelle Gilman, commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, told the committee DAS is \"respectfully, opposed to section 1 of the bill regarding the state fire marshal.\" Gilman said DAS had provided detailed testimony explaining how the bill's measures would conflict with current practice governing appointed officials under Connecticut General Statutes.

Fire marshal organizations pushed back. Roger Nelson, vice president and co‑legislative representative of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, said the association supports language that would give the state fire marshal a written process and an opportunity for a hearing before the commissioner before removal. \"The position of the state fire marshal is important to local fire marshals as it provides a conduit for the local fire marshals on code issues,\" Nelson said, and added that the proposal \"offers some protection to the position of the state fire marshal.\"

Nelson also testified in favor of adjusting membership and quorum requirements for the Fire Marshal Training Council so the council can meet reliably; he described prior difficulty maintaining quorum for required certification and continuing education approvals. The CFMA asked the committee to clarify one drafting change that replaced the association name with the phrase \"an association representing the interests of the fire marshals of the state.\" CFMA said it has been the trade association representing fire marshals since 1948 and sought clarity about that substitution.

Section 3 of HB 6 9 6 5, which would create a business license or registration for fire and catastrophic restoration companies, drew testimony from licensed public adjusters and private sector witnesses who said unregulated, aggressive solicitors often arrive at fire scenes and can intimidate property owners. Scott Molden of Atlas Adjustments described incidents of out‑of‑state actors who, he said, operate without registration or background checks and \"prey on people that are at their worst.\" He urged a registration and ID system so police and fire marshals can quickly verify which restoration vendors are authorized to work at a scene.

Several witnesses — including Roger Nelson and representatives of the fire marshal community — said the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is better suited than the state fire marshal's office to administer a restoration business license because DCP already handles contractor licensing and registration.

Committee members asked about whether the state fire marshal currently has statutory protections for local fire marshals; witnesses explained local fire marshals have statutory protections from removal without cause and testified they seek similar insulation for the state fire marshal. Commissioner Gilman told the committee the deputy state fire marshal statute exists but the deputy position has been vacant for many years; DAS said it is working on updating the classification and hopes to recruit and fund a deputy.

No formal committee vote on HB 6 9 6 5 occurred at the hearing; members indicated they would continue reviewing stakeholder comments and technical redrafting.

","Multiple witnesses told the Public Safety and Security Committee HB 6 9 6 5 should protect the state fire marshal from political pressure and add a registration for fire restoration firms; the Department of Administrative Services said it opposes the bill's section on removal procedures for the state fire marshal.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":80,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":83,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325246,"Administrative Services backs changes to support acting building officials, accessible EV parking and elevator safety in SB 1320",342,806000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5&start=464&end=806","/articles/6325246/Connecticut/Administrative-Services-backs-changes-to-support-acting-building-officials-accessible-EV-parking-and-elevator-safety-in-SB-1320","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325246-2461ac3c05554e126dde78da33dc3c0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177531&Signature=lyHrpe5FKI3qnNJ4YeO~iPV1IfNjzmotVtnEDb1aaHHXWv5MOhhYufZiOSiBYaszBV1e535N0H24J3rWyhsPpOxR~Xg2tFbCbMTTka46zlsRjSJH0AO-nDXW9EEtAp0w~81FQuHmXrD0AIJ8BcspKeK8giuEWfeXcQhr~bRGvlXLDkCFVgrxAnIk7gh7bcy7TwRg4ZxLzkrltDob1c46cKZIjndcOP3~0oiDIiRqFeJHJ1OI4sbghvLAWmwDFsE08lNEfshMLQ70GkRFNo2Yg4lRbmKH147bqc11cFEiqTkzAGJ3vEpjfeGOZXfAOexApAmi8hN609Cf5c7-s7OedA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michelle Gilman, commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services, told the Public Safety and Security Committee that the department supports Senate Bill 13 20 and urged passage.

\"Senate Bill 13 20 does offer several changes to statutes to support municipalities increase, electric vehicle charging stations for, persons with disabilities and close a loophole regarding the safe operation of elevators,\" Gilman said in testimony. Gilman spoke with Deputy Commissioner Darren Hobbs, who oversees Real Estate and Construction Services at DAS, at the committee hearing.

The bill, Gilman said, includes three principal elements: authority for acting building officials where local jurisdictions face shortages of trained personnel; provisions on accessible electric vehicle parking spaces; and measures to continue oversight of elevator and escalator safety and renewal of their certificates of operation. \"We're happy to provide additional background regarding these various provisions, but we do, believe strongly that they will assist, municipalities,\" she said, citing feedback from municipal building officials and professional organizations.

Deputy Commissioner Darren Hobbs told committee members the 30‑day period proposed in current code for certain building‑official actions aligns with practical local review timelines. Hobbs said a shorter 15‑day timeline requested by some stakeholders could be too short in many municipalities. \"30 days coincides with the period of time that's in code right now for the time that a building official has to review an application and issue a permit or deny a permit,\" Hobbs said, adding the longer period reflects municipal processes.

Committee members pressed whether shorter time frames would reduce housing or construction delays; Hobbs said while shorter windows might be attractive in theory, local appointment and administrative timelines often make a 30‑day window more effective in practice.

The testimony centered on statutory clarity to allow municipalities to name acting building officials when vacancies or temporary absences occur, and on refining accessibility standards tied to EV chargers and elevator inspection and certificate renewals. Gilman also said the elevator and escalator provisions respond to frequent constituent concerns and property‑owner questions about safety and operation.

No formal action or vote on SB 13 20 was recorded during the hearing; committee members indicated they will take testimony under advisement and may request further technical detail from DAS.","Department of Administrative Services Commissioner Michelle Gilman urged the Public Safety and Security Committee to pass Senate Bill 13‑20, saying the measure would help municipalities by clarifying authority for acting building officials, add provisions on accessible EV parking spaces and tighten elevator certificates of operation.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325236,"Sen. Tony Wong urges reconvening a cybersecurity task force to address AI and ransomware threats",769,1255000,2024000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5&start=1255&end=2024","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5/thumbnail_1255000.jpg","/articles/6325236/Connecticut/Sen-Tony-Wong-urges-reconvening-a-cybersecurity-task-force-to-address-AI-and-ransomware-threats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325236-70e7567b8f7f5a03598115fbdd4299f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177531&Signature=lXUQPO~~Cv~NcWlr-JVxW8UKK1AQhSdShOWtgSirbZyb480I9zq5M~d9BXcg6ItiJ~iK57izQQTbr8LiriEUuoIughjENfx-7tuz8uwEPd~LGRwdezHuX4dGM2fLjXL68gfzi83i~g4TJz2d2bEHXAV8r4Th~BEknz2xSic-Uj2Yrrvt3262c4fHIFyzIKL9bnfnv0PMPtw2OZYSsRY-heoAF2Vq3pqoUfX49wVfpvOhwPVqYtVWwNppfTfWrdlaoWAGxo6IaU5PLpEfwPwmeIfuLq9MDLNeLhOVtdHmnrYwZf1Ghgyz9k1MQLFKf4vJSmOpAx-jlaCw0pvPZzmvlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Sen. Tony Wong (D‑Fairfield) told the Public Safety and Security Committee that Connecticut should reconvene a cybersecurity task force that previously expired and that reconnecting legislative authority to the issue would bring weight and expertise to the work.

\"This is a reconvening of asking for a task force that had expired,\" Wong said. He framed the request as a response to evolving threats — from ransomware that has disrupted municipal services to new risks posed by artificial intelligence. \"The duality of AI and cybersecurity has created a far greater urgency and and a significant impact on the lives of many people in this country,\" he said.

Wong argued the task force should be statutory and bipartisan so it can marshal expertise from state government, the Guard, municipal officials and Connecticut’s major defense and industrial firms such as Sikorsky and Electric Boat. He said prior leadership in Connecticut — including an early cybersecurity advisor during Gov. Malloy’s administration — shows the state can lead. \"When you talk to our utilities, when you talk to our national defense, from Sikorsky, from Pratt Whitney to Electric Boat, their level and sophistication against cybersecurity and terrorist encroachment is world class. And why are we not as a state recognizing some of that to be able to share with Connecticut based businesses?\" Wong asked.

Committee members asked about the task force's deliverable and timeline. Representative Howard observed the bill requires a report by Jan. 1, 2026 and suggested extending that to 2027 to give the task force time to gather information from 169 towns, state agencies and utilities; Wong accepted the suggestion and said 2027 would be acceptable and that the work should be ongoing rather than a one‑time report.

Wong said the task force would have tangible next steps: gather expertise, produce best practices, educate municipal leaders and inform legislative options for improving statewide preparedness and response. He emphasized that cybersecurity is a question of \"when\" not \"if,\" and urged proactive measures that combine state resources with private and federal partners.

No formal action was recorded at the hearing; committee members indicated they may revise the bill timeline and seek additional stakeholder input.","Senator Tony Wong asked the Public Safety and Security Committee to reestablish a statutory cybersecurity task force — a group the legislature previously authorized but which lapsed — citing AI proliferation, ransomware against municipalities and risks to utilities and critical infrastructure.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325226,"Retailers push organized retail crime bill to include gift‑card fraud and online resale; lawmakers seek data and prosecutorial coordination",1668,6632000,8300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5&start=6632&end=8300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334271-20fdacdb4daf454dd2648b14e9dd2dd5/thumbnail_6632000.jpg","/articles/6325226/Connecticut/Retailers-push-organized-retail-crime-bill-to-include-giftcard-fraud-and-online-resale-lawmakers-seek-data-and-prosecutorial-coordination","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325226-0e0bd2ea7a42a3447406d571c6130063/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177531&Signature=YMUi10Bokos2QZ0f1-0D1dAXZSGl493gfyKSUndBNjFPV3DLD9y42NSm7Imm8HuLcqBfg~dv6s8iwFLk1Jzf9H8dqc~YW~MyYaCf4zsTlgiDCN3HIvQG4U~hvGYzGDexkp~J9jY~GI7fAYflMT1Z7PyUW6omj4YH18M9pZteSrR0ZI6XyCmX326lWwCpkUOvm847RWxMZl43sqw6ja2ZWFTEFAYJEOX0Oz6MA~6P-n7gmxUvM9OCHgYoKbHin~bzrDtgLnvMnqT99q9x950xS27WCkv8EzBMzRwWh87UQJnEh5CAPTl1lbMKy3be-tqYS7cbT2LZAsVkau0kdUssuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Connecticut Retail Network and the Connecticut Food Association told the Public Safety and Security Committee that organized retail crime (ORC) has become more sophisticated and that state law should be updated to include practices such as gift‑card tampering, online resale and trafficking of stolen goods.

Tim Phelan, president of the Connecticut Retail Network, said ORC has escalated in scale and violence and now often crosses jurisdictions and online marketplaces. \"Organized retail crime is defined as a large scale theft of retail merchandise with the intent to resell stolen items for financial gain,\" Phelan said, and urged stronger tools for the chief state's attorney's office and the attorney general to coordinate prosecution.

Witnesses asked the committee to expand the statutory definition to capture gift‑card fraud and to clarify trafficking and resale provisions so prosecutors can aggregate related incidents into coordinated cases. \"Retailers are proactively training employees to identify gift card scams and tamper gift cards and assist consumers in spotting signs of fraud or gift card tampering, but more needs to be done,\" Phelan said.

Wayne, testifying for the Connecticut Food Association, described multiple ORC modalities: credit‑card skimming, Eastern European gangs that operate across state lines, coordinated teams stealing higher‑value packaged items for resale online, and a regional problem tied to bottle‑deposit redemption schemes across state borders. He said organized networks are using online resale and the dark web to monetize stolen goods and urged stronger criminal penalties and enforcement authority.

Committee members asked about data and enforcement: whether current larceny and conspiracy statutes are sufficient and how retailers can best partner with law enforcement. Phelan and Wayne said retailers already collect loss‑prevention data and work with prosecutors, but they asked for updated criminal statutes and coordination resources so prosecutors can aggregate incidents and pursue ORC as organized criminal activity rather than separate petty theft cases.

Lawmakers asked the chief state's attorney's office and state police for input on prosecutorial tools; witnesses suggested the committee incorporate prosecutors' drafting suggestions as the bill advances. No committee vote was taken at the hearing.

","Retail trade groups urged the committee to pass Senate Bill 13‑21 to modernize Connecticut's statutes on organized retail crime, add gift‑card fraud to the definition and give prosecutors better tools to pursue coordinated theft rings and resale networks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fire service leaders back 5¢ phone surcharge to fund firefighter cancer relief; lawmakers debate workers' comp alternative

Fire marshal groups support protections for state fire marshal and licensing for restoration firms in HB 6965; DAS opposes some proposed language

Administrative Services backs changes to support acting building officials, accessible EV parking and elevator safety in SB 1320

Sen. Tony Wong urges reconvening a cybersecurity task force to address AI and ransomware threats

Retailers push organized retail crime bill to include gift‑card fraud and online resale; lawmakers seek data and prosecutorial coordination