The Connecticut General Assembly kicked off its 2025 legislative session Wednesday, and lawmakers got to work quickly. Within the first 24 hours a flurry of proposed legislation was filed, ranging from authorizing a limited black bear hunting season to establishing a cybersecurity task force.
Legislative committee leaders will have to comb through the bills and determine which ones to hear publicly. So far, the Environment Committee looks to be fielding the largest number of proposals.
Members of the Connecticut House of Representatives proposed 65 bills on the first day of the session. Environmental legislation took the lead, accounting for 21.5% of those bills. Finance accounted for 17% of the bills, and the Transportation Committee will be fielding 11% of the Day One proposals.
The environment also appeared to be the top priority for members of the Senate. Environmental legislation accounted for 12.5% of the 312 bills senators introduced on the first day of session. Finance was second with 10% and public health measures accounted for 8% of bills filed.
During last year’s legislative session, the Government Administration and Elections Committee passed the most bills, with 18, which represented 10% of all approved legislation. The bills with the highest number of ‘yes’ votes, each receiving over 180 votes, included two land conveyances, new rules for automobile rentals and a sweeping bill on early childhood education.
The legislative session runs through midnight on June 4. Bills can be revised or rewritten throughout the process. The General Assembly allows unlimited debate on any bill, but those not passed before adjournment are deemed dead and must restart the committee process the following year.
For more information on the legislative session, check out our guide.