Connecticut Legislative Updates - 2026 Session
Prepared for Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce Members
By Donna Carroccia and Liz Gemski, Kozak & Salina
The Connecticut General Assembly convened its 2026 session in early February and lawmakers have moved quickly on several issues with direct implications for employers and the regional economy. Much of the early conversation at the Capitol is centered around affordability, workforce competitiveness, healthcare costs, and energy prices. Below is a brief overview of key developments most relevant to businesses in the Central Connecticut region.
Updates as of March 6, 2026
Healthcare & Employer Benefits
Healthcare affordability remains a central topic this session.
The Insurance and Real Estate Committee is again considering legislation that would allow Association Health Plans (AHPs), enabling chambers of commerce and trade associations to pool employers together to offer health coverage (HB 5378). This concept is aimed at giving small businesses greater purchasing power and plan design flexibility.
As noted in testimony submitted this week by Central Connecticut Chambers President & CEO Katie D’Agostino, small employers currently face limited market competition and rising costs, with only a small number of carriers offering plans in the small group market. The proposal would allow employers to collectively participate in a self-funded health trust with strong regulatory oversight and reserve requirements.
If enacted, this policy could help employers access more stable pricing, increased plan options, and greater control over long-term health benefit costs, which has been one of the most frequently cited challenges by chamber members.
Separately, the state is also exploring longer-term healthcare affordability strategies, including a potential “Connecticut Option” style public plan concept, though current discussion is focused primarily on feasibility and study.
Energy & Electric Costs
Electric costs remain one of the most visible economic concerns at the Capitol.
Lawmakers in both parties have introduced proposals aimed at reducing or restructuring the Public Benefits Charge on electric bills, which funds various state energy programs but has become a focal point for affordability concerns.
Other proposals being discussed include expanding municipal electric aggregation, which could allow communities to pool purchasing power to negotiate electricity supply contracts. While still early in the legislative process, these discussions reflect growing pressure to address energy prices for both households and employers.
Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy
Connecticut is also beginning to shape its approach to artificial intelligence regulation and innovation.
The Governor has introduced legislation addressing responsible use of AI systems, including transparency and consumer protections for emerging technologies such as AI chatbots and automated decision tools.
At the same time, the administration is pairing these guardrails with workforce and education initiatives aimed at expanding AI and technology training programs in Connecticut’s colleges and workforce development pipeline.
The goal expressed by policymakers is to position Connecticut as both a responsible regulator and a competitive technology hub.
Workforce & Employment Policy
Workforce development continues to be a major theme across several policy areas.
Proposals this year include:
- Expanding apprenticeship incentives and workforce training programs
- Additional wage transparency requirements for job postings
- Continued efforts to strengthen the education-to-career pipeline
From a business perspective, many of these discussions are framed around the need to help employers recruit and retain talent in a tight labor market, while balancing new compliance requirements.