[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6628683,"mediaKeyId","2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1","parentId",2714672,"title","Committee approves resolution asking Congress to consider limited Jones Act amendments for Puerto Rico petroleum shipping","audioSeconds",410,"startMs",5325000,"endMs",5735000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1&start=5325&end=5735","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1/thumbnail_5325000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6628683/Connecticut/Committee-approves-resolution-asking-Congress-to-consider-limited-Jones-Act-amendments-for-Puerto-Rico-petroleum-shipping","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628683-01a0393c8e5d373ccf729e71cd87a318/orig.mp4?Expires=1776238883&Signature=lGABErefREii74TxG8xAVGKH2548DVNNF~Dhl-vLlHlx4biDLaLlFkkLuY78O3wUmbaCxVvmhorhVN7hpvmt-eiACmBgGOm3IZmBxJeIxOn8ZpmhIsWTl9FXGtHyIRmfjym9rcZplz2C9WSEyQMWwdCdLKCeOFx4BdoiIfIN4RkbrM2Uhq8C~5mx1ZzVlpnbcSL6Fw1dDSID7lLkPx6nBo69wfrG6UxNmT79fAY-3ulkrW1K9XRyZJ~XwcekfPmCHgjP599R41tQBBEyKjHvZxyncHEnZZTtXxZGHO5Hvbm7TSpD3ICRB-p2NZ4l7NgP2lrVrcvA66m9wJt86hiEPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Connecticut State Legislature - Commerce","date","2025-03-20T18:31:08.287Z","article","The Commerce Committee approved House Resolution 9, a memorializing resolution asking Congress to consider amending the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (the Jones Act) to improve economic and trade relations between Connecticut and Puerto Rico, with a narrowed scope focused on petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas.

Committee members described the resolution as a request to Congress and not an attempt by the state to alter federal law. The proposed amendment asks Congress to assess whether Jones Act shipping rules — which require U.S.-flagged vessels for domestic trade — impose additional costs on Puerto Rico because of limited availability of U.S.-flagged LNG or petroleum carriers. Committee testimony cited an estimated additional cost to Puerto Rico on the order of more than $1 billion, though members acknowledged that the precise figures and policy impacts depend on federal commerce and shipping markets.

The committee recorded a roll call for the house-only resolution and said it would hold the committee open briefly for additional votes; the clerk noted that senators could not vote on a house-only resolution. The committee approved the measure and ordered it JFS to the floor as LCO 6746.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commerce Committee Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Commerce Committee approved a House resolution memorializing Congress to consider amending the Jones Act to ease costs for Puerto Rico's petroleum and natural gas imports; the committee limited the memorial language to petroleum products and natural gas and sent the resolution forward.","taxTitle","Commerce, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Connecticut","taxId",15140,"location","Connecticut","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628687,"Commerce panel refers DECD tax-credit technical revisions to finance amid caution on production credit cut",903,4275000,5178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1&start=4275&end=5178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1/thumbnail_4275000.jpg","/articles/6628687/Connecticut/Commerce-panel-refers-DECD-tax-credit-technical-revisions-to-finance-amid-caution-on-production-credit-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628687-6e8e6af13d4d65623316aca30156d945/orig.mp4?Expires=1776238883&Signature=lLoUnzWJokaJ7mNfikFUgqwCPVXDQAZ-tC36Oyx67piaK1-vkBt3jCV~t1FiXcj9Q5MoV8YtxBIr~1Ct04aJHL3mw6he2WW-3PBSK4avDx4pAq-8ahbmNBdXpU5dgbs6QoOktYFokLR-lhU-1k~MisBErYNyNMtlcBPUMlS6Z3y3KnoZuA2ZEe2E21TTTWSMGfkmKC2H2wgFPcNT3e8S5xfGsg~Eo5fh4QSVR6PkZgqV-eRR9cebSGLOXtL~3ctpYi6DKhjdXsNXnC1oxu2wAQqW13s7SBco9xRrfLfQrzERgQgUc3cJ5WnZNeX2laPFfLklj9cyubfCaKkpPmoKPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 7,166, a package of technical revisions based on Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) recommendations to certain tax-credit statutes including film production, research and development credits, was referred to the Finance Committee after committee discussion.

Committee members said most of the language before them was technical and intended to improve the administration and applicability of existing credits. Senator Buckley and other members urged caution about broader policy changes to the production tax credit, including a governor-proposed reduction from 30% to 25% of certain credits; Representative Buckley said such reductions could risk the state’s competitiveness and the growth of local film-related infrastructure.

Committee members discussed mechanics of the tax-credit market, including transfers of credits and how the credits are monetized by production companies that do not have Connecticut tax liability. A committee member asked whether proceeds from transferring credits would be taxed as income; staff indicated the tax treatment would depend on business structure and sourcing rules. Members flagged the need for more detail on the production-investment baseline (the bill would change a baseline threshold from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for some production investment measures).

The committee advanced the technical LCO (6,731) and referred the measure to Finance for the substantive fiscal and policy review. Representative Buckby registered a no vote to flag concerns about reductions to the film production tax credit; other members said they would vote to refer the measure while reserving questions for Finance.","The committee referred House Bill 7166, agency-request technical changes to film and certain tax-credit statutes, to the Finance Committee. Members debated a separate policy concern about proposed reductions to the production tax-credit and flagged the issue for Finance.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628693,"Committee advances skilled-trades hiring-ratio bill to General Law after extended debate",1385,1710000,3095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1&start=1710&end=3095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1/thumbnail_1710000.jpg","/articles/6628693/Connecticut/Committee-advances-skilled-trades-hiring-ratio-bill-to-General-Law-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628693-0b64393a86ac3ef2537f1f26f163e1ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1776238883&Signature=m5CWG8KRixxEcXqDud2OHcfX3ZIJAuD61FMcAzFYpuAuqqIPJwRe1gSTOaOcIy2biepmSllO5Fve7aEmwF5Nvj~o4aptXNJDlWD~foKTB4rOYTuorUKDQwC5lYugQBQmhWnzVnrSpXZt6zubfOrjzqhoBHLUtlqHQlC08BXvwB6u5Ihqb0cdivcbxllsH5dJfsoUVHQC5v7s9zOSuuXUksyNbeI8wvieOiDSAuDSOWoGgNS~7UUMHi-BN9MHgZfn3RBrU7pLmrY6mdCa1zmxUdhDnFk439pY8518xSte8R5cO9GsBu72xI6LfUeDyOv-WMTPFQSLLggs096yPKzhFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 6,786, concerning hiring ratios for skilled trades and a process to grant ratio relief, was advanced by the Commerce Committee with referral to the General Law Committee after extensive debate on completion rates, criteria for “good actors,” and administrative capacity at the Department of Labor (DOL).

Sponsors and committee members said the bill aims to reward contractors who promote apprenticeships and to create a clearer pathway for ratio relief. Committee discussion focused on three substantive areas: the metric threshold for sponsor completion rates, the definition of “good standing” and related violations (including licensing and wage violations), and the bill’s proposed automatic approval of a ratio relief application if DOL does not decide within 10 days.

Representative Kitt, Representative Rochelle and others pressed for stronger data and more exact definitions. Representative Rochelle said she would cast a “no” to flag concerns about detail, citing low survey response rates and low completion percentages reported in testimony. She questioned whether the bill should require more robust reporting of completion rates. The chair responded that the bill’s application criteria would require a look-back history and suggested a threshold in the discussion of roughly 40% of apprentices presenting for the journeyman exam as a reasonable qualifying metric, but committee members called for more precise definitions in later drafting and referral work.

Committee members also voiced concern about administrative capacity at DOL. Several members sought assurances that DOL would have sufficient staff and resources to process applications in the timelines proposed. Representative Rochelle and others urged modifying the automatic-approval provision if DOL is backlogged, warning that an unprocessed approval could permit ratio relief without adequate vetting.

After debate, the committee voted to refer the bill to General Law for additional drafting on technical definitions, completion-rate thresholds and timeline protections. Committee members said they expect additional work with DOL, labor and industry stakeholders in General Law to sharpen the bill’s operational details.","House Bill 6786, which revises how hiring-ratio relief for skilled trades is granted, was advanced to General Law following extended debate about completion rates, processing timelines for ratio relief applications and enforcement capacity at the Department of Labor.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628698,"Commerce committee advances two companion release-based cleanup bills, signals lengthy oversight ahead",3205,1093000,4298000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1&start=1093&end=4298","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1/thumbnail_1093000.jpg","/articles/6628698/Connecticut/Commerce-committee-advances-two-companion-release-based-cleanup-bills-signals-lengthy-oversight-ahead","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628698-5e8281ff70fb46b9074777bb99831344/orig.mp4?Expires=1776238883&Signature=QWp4fHC7yB8B2Gb0fWtgWyiJulCnBfHHGlaK7eCl2iN7jbxgbA5ciA-PMX3~Z9i24O43r0ksDc-hybXUV7j8FRChHh41WjhSPC9fQxPRMOOBMQ-EGYMRV3Mun7Zf7S6I3~H4VS33g-61am64OCWvDLXAIbF2jqf9kNwvwkQfamfVeQ~~VDLJ9CZa5vljKN7wGdoDpEKYDwU9kO2tnvsL0oSuoVIT9-TJnPxXCZiNBnXgKBXd9OFedb2SZUpoxFOj43yx0JbbFwGclpiL8c77mktK4cTVvbI3ajS-LF~DH6-ZM0eETfLVIgq~jvLf6yQx58d-f9d2TzU60AOQTDyikg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commerce Committee advanced two related measures aimed at transitioning Connecticut to a release-based cleanup program: Senate Bill 1404, which makes conforming statutory adjustments to support the change, and House Bill 7085, which establishes a statutory framework to review the new program and associated regulations.

Committee leaders said the statutory changes in SB 1404 will be held until state regulations are finalized and approved by the Regulations Review Committee. “This will be held until those regulations are adopted,” the co-chair said during debate, noting the committee’s intent to avoid adopting statutory language that presumes final regulations. The committee therefore ordered the bill JFS to the floor with the caveat that the statutory changes would not move forward until regulatory approval.

HB 7085 was described by committee members as the vehicle to close an enforcement and oversight “black hole” identified in testimony and a series of white papers compiled by stakeholders. Co-sponsors told the panel the bill will start the review process upon passage and continue through implementation to identify unintended consequences and make adjustments. Committee members said the measure will include metrics to monitor the rollout and specifically asked staff to consider special treatment for certain residential properties that are not owner-occupied.

Multiple speakers acknowledged the work of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in negotiating technical details and said DEEP likely will need additional staffing and software support to implement the new model. Several lawmakers noted a long history: the existing Transfer Act process has left thousands of properties in limbo for decades; the committee cited an approximate figure of 5,000 properties originally under the Transfer Act, of which about 500 had completed the process.

Committee members flagged outstanding issues that remain on white papers from stakeholders, said the regulations will likely be returned to the agency by the Regulations Review Committee for further work, and signaled more substitute language for HB 7085 will follow. The committee approved both bills for floor action with the understanding that statutory changes in SB 1404 will not take effect until the regulations are finalized and that HB 7085 will be used as an ongoing statutory review and monitoring tool.","The committee advanced statutory conforming changes and a review framework to support Connecticut’s transition to a release-based cleanup program, saying regulations must be finalized before the statutory changes take effect and directing ongoing review of implementation and residential issues.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6628703,"Commerce panel trims makerspace pilot to $1 million, advances bill to floor",854,253000,1107000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1&start=253&end=1107","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2714672-1f49e07aa1d95a6c29515094e96b97e1/thumbnail_253000.jpg","/articles/6628703/Connecticut/Commerce-panel-trims-makerspace-pilot-to-1-million-advances-bill-to-floor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6628703-ef14f4ec8999efbbffeb711ca3bbdc9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776238883&Signature=oOmypSK2nbbuBWio0mLCBQZfYqik8PCwgakw6DnjHMNRgDRQek1w5ydZZOaAUwMrjh2XuhyHS1mjTBz7Azqx74yGKjk8dXwxyObprFw8IV7OKk7urmYJ4KfGa9BHg0WIT468sewBGKmP4-oGeM0~aPkf6M38O7g-eVRsY6JIL-D3Yja8MHyL2EfReO72rr9zfUpquMr8E52FliQI1MxrNnAl65Db6hJ7RDIidPh0QQCD3rGLSyBQGt3rmyyJSIQJ5sdTKJmxV~tk5xAo2nhLuOFJJY-NLuqMCGY5VYwQaDg5xkNieX8RPRTUIrzW6Xo8qqGhfEJH1gwA0pZdWHzrZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commerce Committee on the final meeting of the session advanced Senate Bill 1179, which would establish the Connecticut Community Makerspace Initiative, after members approved an amendment reducing the bill's initial pilot funding from $5,000,000 to $1,000,000.

The amendment, offered during committee debate, was described by Senator Martin as a cautious step to test the new initiative: “reduce the $5,000,000 down to $1,000,000,” she said, explaining the caucus preferred a smaller initial commitment to evaluate sustainability and outcomes. The amendment carried on a voice vote and the bill, as amended, was moved out of committee for action on the floor.

Committee members said makerspaces aim to scale entrepreneurship and support small manufacturers and artists. Supporters referenced models in other states and local examples; Representative Buckley urged structuring awards to create a longer-term benefit, suggesting oversight should consider loan options and distribution across the state's counties. Representative Buckley asked that the Manufacturing Innovation Fund's (MIF) existing oversight structure be used to administer the pilot rather than creating a new separate line item.

Arvind Nasman asked who would administer the grants under the bill’s language. Co-chair Senator Hartley (co-chair) and other lawmakers said the bill currently envisions an advisory board making funds available to the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) commissioner, but committee members agreed that the implementation language — including precise criteria and oversight — should be clarified as the measure moves forward.

Supporters said the bill was written as a pilot because the committee and testimony identified variations in existing makerspace models and uncertainty about long-term viability. Several members said starting with $1 million would allow the state to evaluate the program’s administration, sustainability and regional distribution before committing larger sums.

The committee record shows the measure was amended and ordered JFS (Joint Favorable Subcommittee) to the floor as LCO 6753, as amended. The committee discussion signaled follow-up work on program criteria, administration and whether the advisory board’s role should be adjusted so the DECD commissioner has clearer participation in oversight.

The bill’s advancement leaves the details on awarding criteria and the program’s relationship with the Manufacturing Innovation Fund to be resolved in subsequent drafting and potential floor amendments.","The Commerce Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 1179, which would create the Connecticut Community Makerspace Initiative, after members approved an amendment reducing the proposed pilot funding from $5 million to $1 million and discussed oversight and delivery options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves resolution asking Congress to consider limited Jones Act amendments for Puerto Rico petroleum shipping

Commerce panel refers DECD tax-credit technical revisions to finance amid caution on production credit cut

Committee advances skilled-trades hiring-ratio bill to General Law after extended debate

Commerce committee advances two companion release-based cleanup bills, signals lengthy oversight ahead

Commerce panel trims makerspace pilot to $1 million, advances bill to floor