By Andy Markowski, Esq.
Statehouse Partners, LLC
CASIA Lobbyist
CASIA Legislative Update: 2025 Session Highlights and Key Issues to Watch
The 2025 “long” session of the Connecticut General Assembly has been active, with lawmakers so far prioritizing bills concerning consumer protection, workforce development, technology access, and budget stability. There have been 4,043 bills and resolutions introduced by the legislature so far this year. And they still have many weeks to go in the session! The good news is that CASIA is closely monitoring only 84 bills of interest at the moment.
By the end of April, public hearings will be over and all of the legislative committees will have completed their work. Attention will now shift to the legislature's budget committees (Appropriations & Finance) and their response to Governor Lamont’s budget proposal which was presented in February. Events in Washington D.C. are also expected to significantly influence their work and budget negotiations, which are likely to extend into the final weeks of the legislative session.
As the 2025 legislative session has now passed its midpoint, and moves towards its final stages, CASIA continues to monitor legislation that could impact alarm and security companies, systems integrators, and contractors across the state. Below is a summary of the session so far, key legislation of interest to the industry, and finally, a snapshot of the state budget outlook.
Important Legislation of Interest to CASIA Members
Senate Bill 2: AI Regulation and Industry Implications
SB 2, "An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence", is a comprehensive legislative proposal reintroduced this year, with a goal of regulating the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the state. The bill seeks to balance innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring AI technologies are used responsibly and transparently. Key aspects of the bill center around: Regulation of High-Risk AI Systems; Transparency and Accountability; Establishment of the Connecticut AI Academy; Formation of Advisory Bodies; and Prohibition of Harmful AI Uses.
For CASIA members, and the alarm industry at large, SB-2 underscores the importance of responsible AI use and deployment, particularly in security and surveillance applications. Companies utilizing AI-driven technologies would have to ensure compliance with the proposed regulations, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the mitigation of algorithmic biases.
Connecticut Senate Bill 3: Comprehensive Consumer Protection and Safety Measures
SB-3, "An Act Concerning Consumer Protection and Safety", is another wide-ranging legislative proposal introduced in the 2025 General Assembly session. The bill aims to enhance consumer rights, ensure transparency in commercial practices, and bolster public safety through various provisions, including a “right to repair” section. Key aspects of this bill include: Fee Transparency, which mandates clear disclosure of all fees associated with consumer goods and services, aiming to eliminate hidden charges and promote informed purchasing decisions; Connected Device Regulations, which would establish requirements for the security and privacy of connected devices (Internet of Things), ensuring they meet specific standards to protect consumers from potential cyber threats; Right to Repair, which would grant consumers the right to repair certain electronic and appliance products by requiring manufacturers to provide necessary parts, tools, and information, however, due to CASIA’s lobbying efforts with the legislature, alarm systems and products are currently excluded from this section, but we must continue to monitor it closely; Economic Disruption Response and anti-price gouging enforcement by the Attorney General; and Drone Usage Restrictions.
Connecticut Senate Bill 1294: Streamlining Disclosure Requirements for Home Improvement Contractors
Both CASIA and ADT jointly support this bill, (SB 1294), "An Act Concerning the Manner in Which Persons Engaged in Making Home Improvements Make Certain Disclosures", which proposes a modernization of the advertising disclosure practices for registered home improvement contractors in Connecticut. Approved by the General Law Committee, the bill aims to allow contractors to fulfill certain disclosure obligations by providing a website address where required information is accessible, rather than listing their number in a radio or television advertisement.
Connecticut Senate Bill 830: Establishing Workplace Heat Safety Standards
SB-830, "An Act Establishing Safety Standards to Prevent Heat-Related Illness in Workplaces", is a new legislative issue in Connecticut this year that seeks to implement comprehensive measures to protect employees from heat-related illnesses, particularly those working outdoors or in high-temperature environments. Key provisions of this legislation include: Mandatory Safety Measures; Training & Monitoring Requirements; and Emergency Response Protocols, among other provisions. Approved by the Labor Committee, the legislation is pending before the state senate. Considerations and implications for CASIA members include operational implications, especially for technicians working in environments with elevated temperatures, such as attics or outdoor installations. Compliance with the proposed standards could necessitate adjustments in work protocols, including scheduling, provision of adequate hydration and rest facilities, and staff training programs.
Environmental Related Legislation – EPR For Batteries
One bill moving through the legislative process that have already been approved by the Environment Committee could potentially affect how batteries are recycled and/or disposed of in Connecticut. House Bill 5019 – “An Act Establishing Extended Producer Responsibility for Consumer Batteries” - proposes establishing an extended producer responsibility program for certain consumer batteries and “battery containing products” sold and distributed in the state. Manufacturers would be responsible for the collection and recycling of used batteries.
Connecticut’s Budget & Fiscal Outlook: Stable, Cautious, but Much Uncertainty Ahead
Connecticut’s financial picture looks stable, for now. Comptroller Sean Scanlon has reported a projected $443 million surplus for the General Fund and a $159 million surplus in the Special Transportation Fund for the current (2025) Fiscal Year. That’s good news for business owners, taxpayers and citizens. However, Governor Ned Lamont and legislative leaders have warned that pending cuts of federal dollars to Connecticut — like those for the state’s Medicaid program — are expected to consume most or all of the state’s future revenue growth as well as possibly result in a need to tap into the state’s saving account, which currently has a balance of over $4 billion. The message from leaders in Hartford is clear: while things look good today, fiscal pressures are building and much uncertainty lies ahead, and this year’s as well as future budgets may require very difficult choices.
Bottom Line
There’s a lot moving at the Capitol that could affect how you do business and impact your customers as consumers and taxpayers. CASIA will keep you posted as things progress, but if any of these bills strike a nerve, now’s the time to speak up. Reach out to your local lawmakers or reach out to CASIA with questions or concerns. Your voice matters, and together, we can make sure the industry stays well-represented at the Capitol.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay connected.
The 2025 State Legislative Session Is Underway – Your Local Legislators Need To Hear From You – Reach Out And Tell Them What Matters To You, CASIA, And The Alarm & Security Industry!
Have a question? Want to express your opinion? Just want to know who now represents you in Hartford? Go to the website below and enter your home or business address to look up your state legislators; with a few quick clicks you can visit their official webpage, email them, or get their office phone number to make a call. Remember – as CASIA member, your voice matters!
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp
As always, if you have questions on legislation or regulations or if you would like more information on an issue, please feel free to contact CASIA Lobbyist Andy Markowski at:
(860) 707-3620 or andy@statehouselobbying.com.
*Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
