OPA BILL TRACKING REPORT #18
FOR
Friday, May 17, 2013
Two telecommunications bills have been added to this bill tracking report under House of Representatives heading and are also listed in the List of Bills by Topic under “Deaf/Hard of Hearing”. Here is the legislative summary of each of these bills. The concern I’ve been made aware of is that if the phone company (AT&T for most of the state, Verizon in Greenwich) stops providing “land line” phone service there could be compatibility issues for Deaf/HH technologies such as fax, TTY, and burglar and medical monitoring and emergency call services such as Life Alert.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. Any persons concerned about these bills can contact their legislators and leaders of the House of Representatives and State Senate. Right now both bills are in the House. If the House approves one or both bills the next step would be action by the State Senate.
HB 6402 AN ACT MODERNIZING THE STATE'S TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAWS.
This bill allows a telephone company, beginning July 1, 2013, to withdraw from providing a competitive telecommunications service by giving notice to, rather than getting approval from, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The bill also requires the company to notify affected customers. It requires a telephone company seeking to withdraw from a noncompetitive service to follow (1) PURA regulations or orders and (2) the process for investigating a tariff filing. (There are two telephone companies in the state, Verizon, which serves part of Greenwich, and AT&T, which serves the rest of the state. )
By law, telecommunications services are (1) classified as competitive, emerging competitive, or noncompetitive and (2) subject to varying levels of regulation depending on how they are classified. Under current law, a service is competitive if a telephone company provides a residential customer with two or more of its services. The bill (1) eliminates the requirement that the company itself provide these services and (2) expands the list of services to include toll service provided by another carrier and broadband services.
HB 6401 AN ACT CONCERNING INTERCONNECTED VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICE AND INTERNET PROTOCOL-ENABLED SERVICE.
This bill generally bars state agencies and political subdivisions from enacting, adopting, or enforcing any law or other provision having the force of law that regulates, or has the effect of regulating, the entry, rates, terms, or conditions of voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) and related services. VOIP service providers include companies such as Skype and Vonage. In addition, AT&T provides its U-Verse service using VOIP.
Aging, Select Committee On
NONE
Appropriations Committee
HB 6684 AN ACT CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INTAKE, REFERRAL AND INTERVENTION SYSTEM RELATING TO THE PROVISION AND DELIVERY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. 05/14 Referred by House to Appropriations Committee
Banks Committee
NONE
Children, Committee On
NONE
Commerce Committee
NONE
Education Committee
NONE
Energy And Technology Committee
NONE
Environment Committee (JF Deadline April 3)
NONE
Executive And Legislative Nominations Committee
NONE
Finance Revenue And Bonding Committee
General Law Committee
NONE
Government Administration And Elections Committee
SB 1070 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SCHOOL NURSE ADVISORY COUNCIL. 05/14 Senate referred to GAE Committee
Higher Education & Employment Advancement Committee
NONE
Housing Committee
NONE
Human Services Committee
NONE
Insurance And Real Estate Committee
NONE
Judiciary Committee
HB 6607 AN ACT CONCERNING NURSING HOMES. 05/16 House referred to Judiciary Committee
Labor And Public Employees Committee
NONE
Legislative Committee
NONE
Planning And Development Committee
NONE
Program Review And Investigations Committee
NONE
Public-Health Committee
NONE
Public Safety And Security Committee
NONE
Transportation Committee
NONE
Veterans Affairs, Select Committee On
NONE
BILLS BEFORE THE SENATE
SB 4 AN ACT CONCERNING EARLY VOTING.
SB 111 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE CONCERNING THE CREATION OF A GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE TO IMPLEMENT E-GOVERNMENT 04/18 Senate Passed 05/15 House Passed with an amendment—goes back to Senate for reconsideration
SB 115 AN ACT CONCERNING RESIDENTIAL NURSING HOME FACILITIES SERVING INMATES AND MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS.
SB 191 AN ACT CONCERNING THE PENALTY FOR CAUSING HARM TO A VULNERABLE USER OF A PUBLIC WAY.
SB 360 AN ACT CONCERNING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR PEDIATRIC AUTOIMMUNE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDER ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS.
SB 368 AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK-BORNE DISEASES.
SB 465 AN ACT REQUIRING NEWBORN SCREENING FOR ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY.
SB 709 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SILVER ALERT SYSTEM AND MAINTAINING THE PRIVACY OF A MISSING PERSON'S MEDICAL INFORMATION.
SB 823 AN ACT CONCERNING SEVERE MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENT AND WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE.
SB 848 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE BUDGET CONCERNING PUBLIC HEALTH.
SB 851 AN ACT PROTECTING THE ASSETS OF THE SPOUSE OF AN INSTITUTIONALIZED MEDICAID RECIPIENT.
SB 852 AN ACT CONCERNING NURSING HOME OVERSIGHT AND COMMUNITY-BASED PLACEMENTS.
SB 857 AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF STEP THERAPY FOR AND OFF-LABEL PRESCRIBING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
SB 886 AN ACT CONCERNING AGING IN PLACE.
SB 937 AN ACT CONCERNING CARE FOR ELDERLY PERSONS IN A HOME SETTING RATHER THAN A NURSING HOME FACILITY.
SB 951 AN ACT CONCERNING CONGREGATE HOUSING.
SB 956 AN ACT CONCERNING PEDIATRIC AUTOIMMUNE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDER ASSOCIATED WITH STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS.
SB 972 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OF YOUTHS.
SB 1083 AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COST SAVINGS.
SB 1086 AN ACT CONCERNING COMMUNITY LONG-TERM CARE.
SB 1088 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY ADVERSE DETERMINATIONS BY HEALTH CARRIERS FOR THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDERS.
SB 1099 AN ACT CONCERNING SCHOOL SAFETY.
HB 5345 AN ACT CONCERNING HOMEMAKER COMPANION AGENCIES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION. 05/01 House Passed
HB 5727 AN ACT CONCERNING THE TIME FOR PARENTAL NOTIFICATION WHEN A CHILD IS ADMITTED TO A HOSPITAL FOR DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT OF A MENTAL DISORDER. 05/09 House Passed
HB 5767 AN ACT CONCERNING SYNCHRONIZING PRESCRIPTION REFILLS. 04/10 House Passed
HB 5979 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA. 05/09 House Passed
HB 6370 AN ACT EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBSIDIZED ASSISTED LIVING. 04/10 House Passed
HB 6388 AN ACT CONCERNING INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. 04/10 House Passed
HB 6368 AN ACT CONCERNING THE CHOICES HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 05/09 House Passed
HB 6396 AN ACT CONCERNING LIVABLE COMMUNITIES. 04/10 House Passed
HB 6488 AN ACT CONCERNING THE EVACUATION AND TEMPORARY SHELTERING OF CERTAIN ANIMALS DURING EMERGENCIES. 05/15 House Passed
HB 6524 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CODES AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE. 05/08 House Passed
HB 6542 AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESERVATION OF FARMLAND AT THE SOUTHBURY TRAINING SCHOOL. 05/09 House Passed
BILLS BEFORE THE HOUSE
SB 383 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MUNICIPAL OPTION TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR ONE HUNDRED PER CENT DISABLED VETERANS. 05/15 Senate Passed
SB 434 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND E-GOVERNMENT, EXTENSIONS OF EXISTING CONTRACTS, A STATE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COORDINATOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND SETTLEMENTS BY THE CLAIMS COMMISSIONER. 05/14 Senate Passed
SB 519 AN ACT CONCERNING TRAINING NURSING HOME STAFF ABOUT RESIDENTS' FEAR OF RETALIATION. 05/14 Senate Passed
SB 521 AN ACT CONCERNING A REPORT ON THE SURVEY OF ACCESSIBILITY IN AND TO STATE BUILDINGS. 04/18 Senate Passed
SB 599 AN ACT CONCERNING DISPENSATION AND INSURANCE COVERAGE OF A PRESCRIBED DRUG DURING REVIEW OF AN ADVERSE DETERMINATION OR A FINAL ADVERSE DETERMINATION. 04/24 Senate Passed
SB 652 AN ACT CONCERNING REFERRALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO THE BIRTH TO THREE PROGRAM. 05/14 Senate Passed
SB 761 AN ACT MAKING THE JANITORIAL WORK PILOT PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY OR A DISADVANTAGE PERMANENT. 05/14 Senate Passed
SB 837 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT ON AGING. 04/18 Senate Passed
SB 845 AN ACT INCREASING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING. 05/15 Senate Passed
SB 858 AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR TELEMEDICINE SERVICES. 04/18 Senate Passed
SB 984 AN ACT CONCERNING PROBATE COURT OPERATIONS. 05/16 Senate Passed
SB 986 AN ACT CONCERNING THE APPLICABILITY OF PROBATE COURT ORDERS TO STATE AGENCIES. 05/15 Senate Passed
SB 1002 AN ACT CONCERNING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS. 04/24 Senate Passed
SB 1029 AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS. 05/08 Senate Passed
SB 1091 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE OF AND PROGRAM ENROLLMENT OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT THAT IS ORDERED BY A COURT FOR MENTAL DISORDERS. 05/08 Senate Passed
HB 5104 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY LYME DISEASE TESTING.
HB 5421 AN ACT EXEMPTING DEATH CERTIFICATES OF MINORS FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE FOR A SIX-MONTH PERIOD.
HB 5733 AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO DEATH CERTIFICATES.
HB 5761 AN ACT CONCERNING NOTIFICATION TO POTENTIAL AND EXISTING NURSING HOME OWNERS.
HB 5763 AN ACT CONCERNING GRIEVANCE COMMITTEES IN NURSING HOME FACILITIES.
HB 5898 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON ENHANCING AGENCY OUTCOMES.
HB 6292 AN ACT CONCERNING TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
HB 6350 AN ACT CONCERNING THE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2015, AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO REVENUE.
HB 6351 AN ACT MAKING DEFICIENCY APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2013.
HB 6354 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING GENERAL GOVERNMENT.
HB 6359 AN ACT CONCERNING AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SYSTEM.
HB 6363 AN ACT STREAMLINING STATE GOVERNMENT AND INCREASING EFFECTIVENESS.
HB 6366 AN ACT CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING.
HB 6367 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS.
HB 6374 AN ACT CONCERNING COORDINATED LONG-TERM DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY.
HB 6395 AN ACT CONCERNING THE EXPANSION OF A SMALL HOUSE NURSING HOME PILOT PROGRAM.
HB 6401 AN ACT CONCERNING INTERCONNECTED VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICE AND INTERNET PROTOCOL-ENABLED SERVICE.
HB 6402 AN ACT MODERNIZING THE STATE'S TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAWS.
HB 6422 AN ACT CONCERNING SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.
HB 6432 AN ACT CONCERNING HOMEMAKER SERVICES AND HOMEMAKER COMPANION AGENCIES.
HB 6474 AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC HOUSING.
HB 6504 AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN THE STATE.
HB 6517 AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM REVIEW AND INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEE CONCERNING THE INSURANCE DEPARTMENT'S DUTIES, MENTAL HEALTH PARITY COMPLIANCE CHECKS AND THE EXTERNAL REVIEW APPLICATION PROCESS.
HB 6521 AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAL ORDERS FOR LIFE-SUSTAINING TREATMENT.
HB 6546 AN ACT CONCERNING COPAYMENTS FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES.
HB 6606 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
HB 6608 AN ACT CONCERNING AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF CARE.
HB 6610 AN ACT CONCERNING FEDERAL MEDICAID WAIVERS.
HB 6612 AN ACT CONCERNING THE HEALTH INSURANCE GRIEVANCE PROCESS FOR ADVERSE DETERMINATIONS, THE OFFICE OF THE HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE AND MENTAL HEALTH PARITY COMPLIANCE CHECKS.
HB 6629 AN ACT CONCERNING REGIONALISM IN CONNECTICUT.
HB 6636 AN ACT CONCERNING THE COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT EVIDENCE FROM AN INTOXICATED OR INCAPACITATED VICTIM.
HB 6644 AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH STATUTES.
HB 6670 AN ACT CONCERNING ABSENTEE VOTING IN DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES OPERATED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES, APPLICATIONS FOR ABSENTEE BALLOTS AND DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED TO MODERATORS.
HB 6671 AN ACT CONCERNING GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION.
BILLS PASSED BY HOUSE AND SENATE AWAITING GOVERNOR’S ACTION
SB 874 AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES' STATUTES.
SB 991 AN ACT CONCERNING AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PALLIATIVE CARE.
HB 6392 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
HB 6574 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO CONSIDER IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE.
HB 6641 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF PERSONS WHOSE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE LACK OF CONSENT IS SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIRED.
BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW
SB 853 AN ACT CONCERNING TECHNICAL AND OTHER REVISIONS TO STATUTES CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES.
SB 1160 AN ACT CONCERNING GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND CHILDREN'S SAFETY.
END OF REPORT
