- Legislative committees to hold hearing on state police ticket audit (CT News Junkie, 7/19/2023)
- Two legislative committees in Connecticut have scheduled a hearing to question State Police officials regarding an audit that revealed potential falsification of tens of thousands of traffic records submitted to a state panel on racial profiling trends. The audit, covering data from 2014 to 2021, found over 25,000 instances where troopers reported issuing tickets with no corresponding records in the state Centralized Infractions Bureau. Lawmakers plan to discuss a possible legislative response to the findings and explore solutions to ensure equitable treatment for all Connecticut drivers. The audit’s release was prompted by a media report investigating troopers’ falsification of traffic ticket records in 2018. While the audit did not determine intent, it highlighted systemic misreporting of infractions, which distorted efforts to identify racial profiling trends.
- State Agriculture Department failed to post over 100 meetings, audit finds (CT Examiner, 8/14/2023)
- A state audit report revealed that the Connecticut Department of Agriculture failed to post required notices for more than 100 meetings of its boards and commissions in the past four years. Although the department claims to have rectified the issue since January 1, the audit also highlighted the absence of meeting minutes for five boards, councils, and working groups, with questions arising about their activity and compliance with state law. The audit emphasized the need for administrative oversight to ensure adherence to Freedom of Information Act requirements and suggested legislative changes if statutes are deemed impractical or outdated.
- State subcommittee strives to support girls in juvenile justice system (Yale Daily News, 9/5/2024)
- A Connecticut state subcommittee is working to improve support for girls in the juvenile justice system, focusing on victims of sex trafficking and abuse. The group aims to create gender-responsive policies and enhance data collection, but some criticize the narrow focus on girls, noting that male trafficking survivors are often overlooked. The committee’s work will inform future legislative recommendations on trauma-informed care for youth in the justice system.
- Audit finds CT has made little progress to correct problems at assisted living facilities (ctpost, 10/6/2024)
- A recent audit of Connecticut’s assisted living facilities revealed that the state has made little progress in addressing critical issues identified in 2021. Out of 22 recommendations, only one has been fully implemented, with others either partially implemented or unaddressed, including fire inspections, criminal background checks, and outdated procedures. The Department of Public Health cited staffing shortages and regulatory challenges as reasons for the delays, with plans to address some issues in 2024.
- New legislative committee to focus on government efficiencies and waste (NBC Connecticut, 1/1/2025)
- Connecticut lawmakers are establishing a Government Oversight Committee to enhance scrutiny of state agencies. This initiative aims to address concerns of existing committees, such as the Government Administration and Elections Committee, that are too occupied with legislative matters to effectively oversee. The new committee will prioritize examining recent audits that have uncovered problems like improper state vehicle usage and overpayments to employees.
- Lawmakers question DOC leaders after audit flagged shortcomings (CT Mirror, 1/16/2026)
- Connecticut lawmakers questioned Department of Correction leaders during a legislative oversight hearing following a state audit that identified multiple deficiencies in agency operations. The audit, reviewed by the Government Oversight and Judiciary Committees, cited issues with financial controls, staffing, and compliance with state policies. Legislators pressed for corrective actions and increased transparency to address the audit’s findings.
- After reported delays on FOI requests, CT lawmakers advance study of response times (ctpost, 4/7/2026)
- Connecticut lawmakers are considering changes to how the Legislature handles Freedom of Information requests after delays and backlogs drew criticism from advocates and requesters. Some requests have taken months or years to fulfill, raising concerns about transparency and the Legislature’s exemption from many state open records requirements. Legislators said they are reviewing possible reforms, including clearer timelines and additional staffing to process requests.
- Lawmakers press DDS officials about ‘disturbing’ report on abuse, neglect in CT’s disability system (ctpost, 4/7/2026)
- Connecticut lawmakers raised concerns after a report found that the Department of Developmental Services had not consistently reported or investigated allegations of abuse and neglect involving people with disabilities. According to the report, gaps in oversight and communication may have delayed responses to incidents and limited accountability. Legislators said they plan to review whether additional reforms or oversight measures are needed.
- CT bill expanding DCF oversight heads to governor’s desk (CT Mirror, 5/4/2026)
- Connecticut lawmakers unanimously passed House Bill 5004, which would create a new oversight committee for the Department of Children and Families and implement additional child welfare safeguards following several child deaths and concerns raised by the Office of the Child Advocate. According to lawmakers, the bill includes provisions requiring DCF workers to consider children’s opinions during abuse and neglect investigations and to increase oversight of children placed out of state. An amendment proposed by Sen. Jason Perillo to require a report on remote work practices at DCF failed, though concerns about remote oversight were raised in connection with recent child fatalities.
- Connecticut AI Bill Clears Statehouse, Heads to Governor (GovTech, 5/5/2026)
- Connecticut lawmakers gave final approval to a broad artificial intelligence bill that would establish oversight committees, regulate AI use in employment and consumer interactions, and create safeguards to protect children and consumers while supporting industry growth. According to lawmakers and Gov. Ned Lamont’s office, the legislation would require disclosures when users interact with AI companions, implement protections related to self-harm and minors, and expand the state attorney general’s oversight authority. Supporters described the bill as an initial regulatory framework for a rapidly growing technology, while some Republicans raised concerns that the measure could hinder innovation or negatively affect jobs.
- CT DOC ombudsman report questions prison use of force (NBC Connecticut, 6/5/2026)
- According to a report from the Connecticut Correction Ombudsman, a use-of-force incident involving inmate Richard Benson at Carl Robinson Correctional Institution violated safety and policy standards, with investigators finding that officers used force and a chemical agent despite safer alternatives being available. The report stated that no contraband was found on Benson, although he received disciplinary penalties and a related criminal charge was not pursued. The Department of Corrections said it is reviewing the report and its protocols and plans to issue a formal response by the end of June.
