Search

AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

CT SB00397 Government Accountability Act Enrolled

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00397, the Government Accountability Act, has cleared both legislative chambers and is now enrolled. The Senate passed the bill as amended on April 14, 2026 (roll call vote 103: Yea 24, Nay 10), with House passage following on April 16, 2026. Senate Amendments Schedule A and B were adopted while Schedule C was rejected. The bill enacts statutory provisions for the accountable administration and enforcement of state law. It now awaits gubernatorial action before becoming law.

Miguel Vega v. Commissioner of Correction — Brady Disclosure

The Connecticut Supreme Court in Miguel Vega v. Commissioner of Correction affirmed the Appellate Court's judgment on an alternative basis, holding that while a prosecutor's duty under Brady extends to exculpatory information known to other prosecutors in the same state's attorney's office, the failure to disclose a witness's prior false testimony was immaterial because there was no reasonable probability it would have changed the outcome of Vega's murder trial. The court reversed the Appellate Court's rationale that the prosecutor had no responsibility to search unrelated case files absent a specific defense request. Argued October 29, 2025—officially released April 21, 2026.

Kwok v. Despins - Alter Ego Finding Affirmed, Yacht Included in Bankruptcy Estate

The Second Circuit affirmed the District of Connecticut's judgment holding that HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC was the alter ego of debtor Ho Wan Kwok, meaning its assets—including the approximately $37 million Lady May yacht—belonged to the bankruptcy estate. The court held that the Chapter 11 trustee has standing to assert alter ego claims on behalf of creditors. The appellants, Mei Guo and HK, challenged both standing and the alter ego finding, but the Second Circuit rejected both arguments, emphasizing evidence of asset concealment through shell entities.

Connecticut Schedules Seven Substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, Requires Business Compliance by March 25, 2026

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has released guidance following the Legislative Regulation Review Committee's approval of regulations designating seven substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, including Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), 7-hydroxymitragynine, Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes, Tianeptine, and Phenibut. Businesses offering these products for sale must remove them from shelves immediately and return or destroy all inventory prior to March 25, 2026. Possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution of these scheduled substances is illegal and may result in felony charges.

Connecticut Schedules Kratom, Tianeptine as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances

Connecticut has designated seven substances as Schedule 1 Controlled Substances, effective March 25, 2026. The seven substances are: Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Bromazolam, Flubromazolam, Nitazenes, Tianeptine, and Phenibut. The Connecticut Legislative Regulation Review Committee approved the regulations in February 2026. Attorney General William Tong has sent letters to all known distributors and manufacturers of Kratom products to ensure awareness and compliance with the new law.

Connecticut Electricity Rates Drop 14%, May 1st

Connecticut PURA approved an interim decision on April 22, 2026 reducing residential electricity rates by approximately 14% starting May 1, 2026, with Eversource customers saving roughly $30 per month (4.3 cents/kWh) and United Illuminating customers saving approximately $34 per month (4.9 cents/kWh). The rate reduction stems from nuclear contracts with Millstone and Seabrook plants, state legislation (Public Act 25-173), and bond funding that converted the public benefits charge from a cost to a credit through at least September 2026.

CT Departments Warn of Scams During Financial Literacy Month

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and Department of Banking issued a joint advisory on April 14, 2026, during Financial Literacy Month, reminding consumers to use free budgeting tools, debt payoff calculators, and credit monitoring resources. The advisory highlights that as tax season ends, consumers are reviewing spending habits and setting financial goals, making them more vulnerable to scammers targeting wallets and banking information. The departments recommend creating detailed budgets, reviewing credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and signing up for bank account alerts.

RSCO School Choice Placement Offers Begin March 9 for 2026-27

The Connecticut State Department of Education's Greater Hartford Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) announced that placement notifications for Greater Hartford Region magnet and Open Choice programs will begin the week of March 9, 2026, and March 16, 2026, respectively. Placement notifications for CTECS Hartford Region technical high schools began in late February 2026. Additional rounds of placement offers will begin in April 2026 and continue through summer until approximately 6,000 seats are filled across the three programs for the 2026-2027 school year. Families who receive an offer have limited time to accept and register with the school.

Connecticut Highlights Continued Progress in Dyslexia and Structured Literacy Work

The Connecticut State Department of Education has highlighted continued statewide progress through the Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities, established by statute in 2021, which supports efforts to advance structured literacy practices, strengthen educator preparation, and align statewide supports for students at risk for or identified with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. A key milestone was the unanimous adoption of Connecticut's first Educator Competencies for Structured Literacy and Dyslexia by the State Board of Education in May 2025, developed in partnership with the National Center on Improving Literacy and a diverse advisory group. The Department has also developed a draft audit framework to assess educator preparation program alignment to the Competencies, which will be refined through external stakeholder feedback.

Governor Lamont Establishes K-12 Education Funding Reform Commission, $500M Affordability Fund

Governor Ned Lamont signed Executive Order No. 26-3 establishing the Governor's Blue-Ribbon Commission on K-12 Education Funding and Accountability to conduct a comprehensive review of Connecticut's education funding system, including the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant. The commission, chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff Natalie Wagner and Vice-Chaired by Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, must submit a strategic plan by January 15, 2027. Governor Lamont also announced he is working with legislative leaders to direct $500 million from the proposed affordability fund to support local school districts during the current fiscal year.

Buyers Holdings LLC Ordered to Cease and Desist and Pay $200k Civil Penalty

The Connecticut Banking Commissioner has issued a final order against Buyers Holdings, LLC (NMLS # 1706706) requiring the firm to cease and desist from violations of Sections 36a-53a and 36a-801(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes. The order imposes a civil penalty of $200,000 payable within 45 days. The Commissioner found at least 12 violations of operating as a consumer collection agency without a required license, plus a materially false or misleading statement regarding unlicensed activity. The firm's prior Temporary Order to Make Restitution also became permanent, requiring refunds to Connecticut consumers of all payments collected since January 1, 2016, plus legal interest.

State v. Franqui - Affirms Murder Conviction, Rejects Due Process Challenge to Prior Inconsistent Statement Admissibility

The Connecticut Supreme Court affirmed Edwin Franqui's conviction for conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to murder, and accessory to assault in the first degree in connection with a shooting that killed Junny Lara-Velazquez on Capitol Avenue in Hartford. The court rejected Franqui's claim that admitting a witness's prior inconsistent statement identifying him as the driver violated due process, finding the statement was corroborated by other evidence and was not the sole basis for conviction. The court also declined to overrule State v. Whelan, which permits prior inconsistent statements for substantive purposes, and declined to abrogate the excited utterance hearsay exception.

State v. Franqui - Eyewitness Identification Jury Instruction

The Connecticut Supreme Court affirmed the murder conviction of Edwin Franqui, rejecting his claim that the trial court committed plain error by failing to give an eyewitness identification jury instruction under State v. Ledbetter. The court found no significant risk of misidentification because the primary eyewitness, Dayzani Ortiz, was familiar with the defendant and the vehicle used in the drive-by shooting that killed Junny Lara-Velazquez. The court also declined to exercise its supervisory authority to mandate eyewitness identification instructions in all contested identification cases or to abrogate the hearsay exception for spontaneous utterances.

Coleman v. Commissioner of Correction - Habeas Corpus Affirmed

The Connecticut Appellate Court affirmed the habeas court's denial of Willie J. Coleman's petition to vacate his murder conviction. The court held that McCoy v. Louisiana, which recognized a criminal defendant's Sixth Amendment right to autonomy in deciding fundamental objectives of defense, was not implicated because Coleman's trial counsel had discussed the intent to concede guilt to criminally negligent homicide, the concession was consistent with the defense theory, and Coleman never objected. The court also rejected Coleman's ineffective assistance of counsel claim, finding counsel's concession was objectively reasonable.

Palkimas v. Quilli - Breach of Contract/Construction Cabinet Dispute

The Connecticut Appellate Court reversed in part the trial court's judgment in favor of plaintiff Richard R. Palkimas, a home construction contractor, in his breach of contract action against defendants Edgar Quilli and Pablo Pauta, subcontractors operating a cabinet shop. The appellate court held that the trial court abused its discretion by conducting a posttrial damages hearing in response to a motion to reargue without having bifurcated the issues of liability and damages at the outset. The court also found the damages calculation improper: one award lacked evidentiary support, another was legally erroneous because it was not based on the plaintiff's reasonable cost to complete minus unpaid balance, and the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages over several years without explanatory findings.

CT Dept of Banking Adds Buyers Holdings LLC Settlement

A new administrative settlement entry was added to the Connecticut Department of Banking enforcement orders page. The Buyers Holdings, LLC settlement dated April 9, 2026 appears above the fold on the Administrative Orders and Settlements index page, alongside an earlier document dated February 26, 2026.

Sephora Adopts Safeguards for Anti-Aging Products Marketed to Children

Attorney General William Tong announced that Sephora has adopted new safeguards regarding marketing anti-aging skincare products to children, resolving a Connecticut investigation. The settlement requires Sephora to obtain product warnings from suppliers about suitability for children under 13, display warnings on product pages, train employees, and maintain a website resource about unsuitable products. The investigation was prompted by concerns that anti-aging products containing retinol and acids may be harmful to children's skin.

Connecticut DRS Annual Report, FY 2024-25

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services published its FY 2024-25 Annual Report summarizing tax collections and revenue data for the fiscal year. The report covers various Connecticut tax categories including income tax, corporation business tax, sales and use taxes, and other state revenue sources. The report also discusses agency initiatives including expanded webinar outreach, a new eAssistant chatbot providing 24/7 taxpayer support via the myconneCT portal, and the state's first-ever tax gap report produced in partnership with the legislature.

Start of 2026 Tax Season, April 15 Filing Deadline

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services announced the opening of the 2026 tax season, currently accepting individual state income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. The state and federal income tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. A change in USPS postmark practices may affect taxpayers who mail their returns and payments, as USPS now dates mail by first processing rather than drop-off date.

NH DOJ Updates Suspicious Death Investigation in Haverhill

The New Hampshire Attorney General, in conjunction with New Hampshire State Police and the Haverhill Police Department, announced further details regarding a suspicious death at an apartment on Nelson Street in Haverhill. Officers responding to 911 calls discovered the body of Demetrius White (DOB: 12/29/2003) of Springfield, Massachusetts in the early morning of April 20, 2026. Jayden McClanahan (DOB: 02/03/2005) of Hartford, Connecticut was arrested the following evening on burglary charges related to the investigation and was held on preventative detention. An arraignment was scheduled for 1:00pm in Haverhill.

CFTC Sues Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois Over Prediction Market Jurisdiction

The CFTC filed federal lawsuits against Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois on April 2, 2026, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to affirm its exclusive jurisdiction over prediction markets under the Commodity Exchange Act. The complaints challenge state actions attempting to outlaw, regulate, or restrain activities of CFTC-registered designated contract markets. Chairman Selig stated that Congress specifically rejected fragmented state regulations in favor of a national framework for commodity derivatives markets. The CFTC simultaneously issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to clarify obligations for prediction markets.

CT Loses 4,200 Jobs, Unemployment Rises to 4.7%

The Connecticut Department of Labor reported that the state lost 4,200 jobs in February 2026, reversing the job gains recorded in January. The state's unemployment rate rose to 4.7%. This is a routine statistical release on statewide labor market conditions with no compliance obligations for employers or regulated entities.

DOJ Sues Connecticut, New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, the City of New Haven, and Mayor Elicker challenging the State's so-called 'Trust Act' and other sanctuary policies. The complaint alleges these policies interfere with federal immigration law enforcement and have allowed dangerous criminals to be released into Connecticut communities. The DOJ invokes the Supremacy Clause to argue that state and local obstruction of federal law is unconstitutional. This is the latest in a series of DOJ sanctuary-policy lawsuits targeting Minnesota, Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, New York State, Colorado, Illinois, Rochester, and several New Jersey cities.

Lamont, FHWA Urge Drivers to Prioritize Work Zone Safety During National Awareness Week

Governor Ned Lamont and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are urging Connecticut drivers to prioritize safety during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24, 2026). The joint effort highlights the risks faced by highway workers and first responders in active construction zones. Connecticut transportation officials and law enforcement are joining the campaign to reduce work zone incidents statewide.

NCL Bahamas Settlement - $2M Multistate COVID Cancellation Practices

Attorney General William Tong joined nine other state AGs in announcing a $2,000,000 settlement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL Bahamas, Ltd.) resolving a multistate investigation into deceptive COVID cancellation practices. The settlement prohibits NCL from making deceptive sales statements and requires mandatory employee training on appropriate sales communications during disaster declarations. Connecticut received $65,081.31 from the settlement and approximately 39 consumer complaints regarding NCL's COVID-related cancellation practices were filed with the state.

Attorney General Davenport Sues EPA Over Mercury Emissions Standards Repeal

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined a coalition of 18 states in filing a lawsuit challenging the EPA's repeal of standards limiting mercury and toxic pollutants from power plants. The states argue the repeal is unlawful because the EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis and did not adequately consider developments in pollution control technologies. The coalition is asking the court to determine the rule is unlawful and must be reversed.

Care One LLC v. NLRB - Affirms Denial of Preliminary Injunction Halting Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings

The Second Circuit affirmed the District of Connecticut's October 4, 2023 order denying Care One LLC and fourteen affiliated healthcare facilities' motion for a preliminary injunction to halt NLRB unfair labor practice proceedings. The court held that even assuming the challenged Administrative Law Judge lacked appointment authority, plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm because proceedings before that ALJ had concluded and the only pending matters are before the fully constituted Board, whose members are lawfully appointed and empowered to conduct de novo review. The ruling establishes that ultra vires challenges to NLRB proceedings face significant procedural hurdles when seeking injunctive relief.

Ho Jin Lim Barred from Connecticut Mortgage Lending for 5 Years

The Connecticut Department of Banking issued a Consent Order barring Ho Jin Lim (NMLS # 1197908) from Connecticut mortgage lending for 5 years. The action stems from an investigation by the Consumer Credit Division that found Lim violated NMLS Rules of Conduct for Education Students and failed to demonstrate the requisite character and general fitness for continued licensure as a mortgage loan originator.

Bay-Valley Mortgage Group Consent Order - 5-Year License Bar

The Connecticut Department of Banking issued a consent order barring Bay-Valley Mortgage Group from engaging in the mortgage lending business in Connecticut for 5 years. The action stems from findings that control persons Ji Na Oh and Sae Hyun Park violated NMLS Rules of Conduct and failed to demonstrate the requisite character and general fitness required for licensure under Connecticut law.

AG Campbell Secures $515,000 Settlement with Ambulance Billing Vendor Comstar for Data Breach

Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell, in partnership with the Connecticut AG's office, secured a $515,000 settlement with Comstar LLC, a Rowley-based ambulance billing vendor, for a March 2022 data breach affecting approximately 326,426 Massachusetts residents and 22,829 Connecticut residents. The breach exposed Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, and medical assessment information. Comstar will pay $415,000 to Massachusetts and must implement comprehensive security measures including phishing protection, vulnerability management, multi-factor authentication, asset inventory, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and annual security assessments for three years.

States Challenge EPA Rollback of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

Minnesota Attorney General Ellison co-led a coalition of 21 states and local governments in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's repeal of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule, which had tightened emission limits on mercury, arsenic, lead, and other hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. The coalition argues the repeal is unlawful because EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis and did not adequately consider advances in pollution control technologies, while continuing to give lignite coal plants a free pass from emissions standards. The action seeks judicial reversal of the rollback, which the states contend will increase dangerous emissions and harm public health and the environment.

Mortgage Industry Consent Orders Consumer Credit Enforcement

The Connecticut Department of Banking posted three new administrative consent orders on March 25-26, 2026 against mortgage industry entities and individuals. LeadPoint Inc d/b/a Secure Rights received a consent order on March 26. Lim Ho Jin and Bay-Valley Mortgage Group (d/b/a Pacific Bay Lending Group, Valley View Home Loans) each received consent orders on March 25 for consumer credit violations.

AG Rayfield, 20 States Sue Over Mercury Pollution Rule Rollback

Attorney General Dan Rayfield and 20 other states and local governments filed a lawsuit on March 31, 2026 challenging the Trump administration's rollback of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. The MATS Rule limits emissions of mercury, arsenic, lead, acid gases, and other toxic pollutants from coal and oil-fired power plants. The coalition argues the administration failed to provide a reasoned basis for the rollback and did not adequately consider developments in pollution control technologies. The lawsuit seeks a court determination that the rule reversal is unlawful and must be reversed. Mercury emissions from power plants contaminate waterways including the Columbia River and pose neurodevelopmental risks to pregnant women and children.

Center for Vein Restoration Settles False Claims Allegations for $4 Million

Connecticut, along with other states and the federal government, has reached a $4 million settlement with CVR Management, LLC, resolving allegations that its network of clinics billed government health programs for medically unnecessary vein treatments. CVR will pay $4 million, with Connecticut receiving $114,280.07 for its Medicaid program.

PURA Approves Settlement with Clearview Electric for Marketing Violations

Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved a settlement requiring Clearview Electric Inc. to pay $500,000 and withdraw from the Connecticut electric supplier market for six years. This resolves claims of marketing violations.