Commerce Committee raises concepts on nine topics, approves drafting on two proposed laws

The Commerce Committee on Jan. 23 met to raise concepts for nine measures and to advance two drafting motions, voting to move forward on placeholder concepts for the Department of Economic and Community Development, manufacturing, brownfield remediation, workforce development and training, Connecticut Innovations Inc., and arts, culture and tourism, among others.

The committee also voted to draft two measures: one that would change the Learn Here, Live Here program from permissive to mandatory for eligible municipalities and would adjust income limits, and another to expand a bioscience enterprise zone to include all of Plainville. Both drafting motions passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The concepts the committee raised are the preliminary step that allows staff to draft full bill text and schedule public hearings. Several legislators voiced concern about the use of placeholder concepts — items with no final language — saying placeholders limit public input on specific proposals and can allow substantive language to be added late in the process.

Madam chair (Commerce Committee chair) introduced the agenda and explained the committee’s practice of raising concepts to give staff and members latitude if the legislative calendar requires quicker action later in the session. Senator Martin and other members…