Connecticut General Assembly
| Connecticut General Assembly | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Type: | State legislature |
| Term limits: | None |
| Session start: | February 7, 2024 |
| Website: | Official Legislature Page |
| Leadership | |
| Senate President: | Susan Bysiewicz (D) |
| House Speaker: | Matthew Ritter (D) |
| Majority Leader: | Senate: Bob Duff (D) House: Jason Rojas (D) |
| Minority Leader: | Senate: Stephen Harding Jr. (R) House: Vincent Candelora (R) |
| Structure | |
| Members: | 36 (Senate), 151 (House) |
| Length of term: | 2 years (Senate), 2 years (House) |
| Authority: | Art III, Section 1, Connecticut Constitution |
| Salary: | $40,000/year |
| Elections | |
| Last election: | November 8, 2022 |
| Next election: | November 5, 2024 |
| Redistricting: | Connecticut Legislature has control with optional commission |
The Connecticut State Legislature is known as the Connecticut General Assembly (or CGA). It is the state legislature of Connecticut and is a bicameral body composed of the 151-member lower Connecticut House of Representatives and the 36-member upper Connecticut State Senate. It meets in the state capital, Hartford.
During even-numbered years, the General Assembly is in session from February to May. In odd-numbered years, when the state budget is completed, session lasts from January to June. The governor has the right to call for a special session after the end of the regular session, while the General Assembly can call for a veto session after the close in order to override gubernatorial vetoes.
During the first half of session, the House and Senate typically meet on Wednesdays only, though by the end of the session, they meet daily due to increased workload and deadlines.
Connecticut has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.
Senate
The Connecticut State Senate is the upper house of the Connecticut General Assembly, the legislature of the state of Connecticut. The state Senate comprises 36 members.
As of the 2020 Census, Connecticut state senators represented an average of 100,231 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 99,490 residents.
Senators are elected to two-year terms without term limits. The Connecticut State Senate is one of 14 state legislative upper houses whose members serve two-year terms as opposed to four-year terms.
As in other upper houses of state and territorial legislatures and the federal U.S. Senate, the Senate is reserved with special functions such as confirming or rejecting gubernatorial appointments to the state's executive departments, the state cabinet, commissions and boards. Unlike a majority of U.S. state legislatures, both the Connecticut House of Representatives and the State Senate vote on the composition to the Connecticut Supreme Court.
Leadership of the Senate
The lieutenant governor of Connecticut serves as the president of the Senate, but only casts a vote if required to break a tie. In his or her absence, the president pro tempore presides over the Senate. The president pro tempore is elected by the majority party caucus followed by confirmation of the entire Senate through a Senate Resolution. The president pro tempore is the chief leadership position in the Senate. The Senate majority and minority leaders are elected by their respective party caucuses.
Partisan composition
| Party | As of November 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 24 | |
| Republican Party | 12 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 36 | |
Click here for a list of members of this chamber.
Democrats won control of the Connecticut State Senate in 1996. In 2022, they won a 24-12 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Connecticut Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Connecticut State Senate election results: 1992-2022
| Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 20 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 18* | 23 | 24 | 24 |
| Republicans | 16 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
Before 1992
There were eight elections between 1930 and 2022 where Republicans won control of the state Senate.
House of Representatives
The Connecticut House of Representatives is the lower house in the Connecticut General Assembly, the legislature of the state of Connecticut. The House is composed of 151 members representing an equal amount of districts.
As of the 2020 Census, Connecticut state representatives represented an average of 23,896 residents. After the 2010 Census, each member represented 23,719 residents.
Representatives are elected to two-year terms with no term limits.
Leadership of the House
The speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives. The speaker is elected by the majority party caucus followed by confirmation of the full House through the passage of a House resolution. In addition to presiding over the body, the speaker is also its the chief leadership position, and controls the flow of legislation and committee assignments. Other House leaders, such as the majority and minority leaders, are elected by their respective party caucuses relative to their party's strength in the chamber.
Partisan composition
| Party | As of November 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Democratic Party | 98 | |
| Republican Party | 53 | |
| Other | 0 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | |
| Total | 151 | |
Click here for a list of members of this chamber.
Democrats won control of the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1986. In 2022, they won a 98-53 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Connecticut House following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Connecticut House of Representatives election results: 1992-2022
| Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 87 | 90 | 97 | 96 | 100 | 94 | 99 | 106 | 114 | 97 | 98 | 87 | 79 | 92 | 97 | 98 |
| Republicans | 64 | 61 | 54 | 55 | 51 | 57 | 52 | 45 | 37 | 54 | 53 | 64 | 72 | 59 | 54 | 53 |
Before 1992
Republicans controlled the House following most elections during the first half of the 20th century, while Democrats controlled the chamber following most elections during the latter half of the 20th century.
Elections
2026
Elections for the Connecticut State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.
Elections for the Connecticut House of Representatives will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.
2024
Elections for the Connecticut State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 13, 2024. The filing deadline was June 11, 2024.
Elections for the Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 13, 2024. The filing deadline was June 11, 2024.
2022
Elections for the Connecticut State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 9, 2022. The filing deadline was June 7, 2022.
Elections for the Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 9, 2022. The filing deadline was June 7, 2022.
2020
Elections for the office of Connecticut State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was June 11, 2020.
Elections for the office of Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was June 11, 2020.
2018
Elections for the Connecticut State Senate took place in 2018. A closed primary election took place on August 14, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was June 12, 2018.
Elections for the Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2018. A closed primary election took place on August 14, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was June 12, 2018.
2016
Elections for the Connecticut State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 7, 2016.
Elections for the Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 7, 2016.
2014
Elections for the Connecticut State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 12, 2014, and a general election on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 10, 2014.
Elections for the Connecticut House of Representatives consisted of a primary election on August 12, 2014, and a general election on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 10, 2014.
2012
Elections for the office of Connecticut State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 14, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 12, 2012.
Elections for the office of Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2012. The primary election was held on June 12, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was August 14, 2012.
2010
Elections for the office of Connecticut State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 10, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 8, 2010, for candidates of either the Republican or Democratic parties and August 4, 2010, for independents.
Elections for the office of Connecticut House of Representatives took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 10, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 8, 2010, for candidates of either the Republican or Democratic parties and August 4, 2010, for independents.
Sessions
Article III of the Connecticut Constitution establishes when the Legislature is to be in session. Section 2 of Article III states that, in odd-numbered years, the Legislature shall convene its regular session on the Wednesday after the first Monday in January. Section 2 requires regular sessions in odd-numbered years to adjourn by the Wednesday after the first Monday in June.
The Constitution does not establish when the Legislature is supposed to meet in even-numbered years, so these dates are established by law. In even-numbered years, the Legislature convenes on the Wednesday following the first Monday in February, pending the decision of the Legislature, and it must adjourn by the Wednesday after the first Monday in May.[1][2]
2024
In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 7, 2024, and adjourn on May 8, 2024.
2023
In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 4, 2023, and adjourn on June 7, 2023.
| Click [show] for past years' session dates. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 9, 2022, and adjourn on May 4, 2022. 2021In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 6, 2021, and adjourn on June 9, 2021. 2020In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on February 5, 2020, and adjourn on May 6, 2020.
Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The Connecticut State Legislature suspended its session, effective March 12, 2020. The suspension was originally scheduled to lift at the end of March. It was then extended to April 13, 2020. It was extended again to April 23, 2020. On April 21, 2020, legislative leaders announced that the legislature would not reconvene in advance of its constitutional adjournment on May 6, 2020. The legislature convened a special session on July 21, 2020. The special session adjourned on July 27, 2020.[3][4][5][6] 2019In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2019, through June 5, 2019. 2018In 2018, the legislature was in session from February 7, 2018, through May 9, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here. 2017In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 4, 2017, through June 7, 2017. The legislature held a veto session on July 24, 2017. The legislature held its first special session on July 31, 2017. The legislature held its second special session from September 14 to September 16. The legislature held another special session on October 3. State lawmakers held their fourth special session from October 25 to October 26. The legislature met again in special session from November 14 to November 15.
2016
In 2016, the legislature was in session from February 3 through May 4. The legislature held a special session from May 12-13 to pass the state budget. 2015
In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 7 through June 3. The legislature held a two-day special session from June 29 to June 30. The legislature held a one-day special session on December 8. Major issues in 2015Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included a projected state budget deficit, transportation infrastructure, job expansion, lowering electricity costs for consumers, and domestic violence restraining orders.[46] 2014
In 2014, the legislature was in session from February 5 to May 7. Major issues in 2014Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included the biennial state budget, gun control, mental health, police training, and creating the Office of Early Childhood.[47] 2013
In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 9 to June 5. Major issues in 2013Major issues during the 2013 legislative session included restrictions on gun ownership, an increase to the minimum wage, labels on genetically modified foods, and the ability for illegal immigrants to apply for driver's licenses.[48] 2012
In 2012, the legislature was in session from February 8 to May 9. 2011
In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 5 through June 8. Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy (D) convened both houses in a special session to address budget cuts on June 30.[49] Session highlightsTax increasesDuring the 2011 legislative session, the legislature passed $1.5 billion worth of tax increases strongly pushed by Governor Dan Malloy (D) to help close a budget gap estimated at $3.3 billion. Individual and corporate income tax rates rose, along with inheritance, alcohol, cigarette, and gasoline levies. Additionally, the retail sales tax rate rose from 6% to 6.35%. The Republican legislative minority strongly criticized Malloy and Democratic leaders, calling their plan a "massive and unnecessary tax hike."[50] 2010
In 2010, the legislature was in session from February 3rd to May 5th. |
Role in state budget
- See also: Connecticut state budget and finances
Connecticut on 
|
The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[51]
- Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in July.
- State agencies submit their budget requests to the governor in September.
- The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature in February.
- The legislature adopts a budget in May or June. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year begins on July 1.
Connecticut is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[51][52]
The governor is legally required to submit a balanced budget. Likewise, the legislature must adopt a balanced budget.[51]
Membership
Members of the General Assembly, regardless of chamber, serve two-year terms; there are no term limits imposed on them.
As with most New England state legislatures, the Connecticut General Assembly is traditionally a moderate body. Most urban and suburban areas are represented by Democrats, while many rural or more affluent areas have Republican representation. Among state legislatures, the Connecticut General Assembly is known for its good working and personal relationships between the two parties.
Political scientists consider the General Assembly to be a part-time, professionally-run state legislature. Most legislators have jobs aside from their political positions, and aside from leadership, few are present at the Capitol Monday through Friday. Legislators with more time to offer are generally placed on "A" committees, which meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while others are assigned to "B" committees that meet only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All legislators are expected to be present for "session," or days when their chambers are in session, regardless of committee assignments.
Although it is a part-time body, the legislature is known for having some of the best support services among state legislatures, including its large staff, Legislative Commissioners' Office (which helps with the writing of bills), Office of Legislative Research, Office of Fiscal Analysis, and other services available.
Legislation is introduced before each chamber by the majority or minority leader. Traditionally, the majority and minority leaders represent urban or large suburban areas, just as the Speaker of the House is usually from a city.
Legislators
Salaries
- See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
| State legislative salaries, 2024[53] | |
|---|---|
| Salary | Per diem |
| $40,000/year | No per diem is paid. |
When sworn in
Connecticut legislators assume office the Wednesday following the first Monday of January after their election.[54]
Redistricting
- See also: Redistricting in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the state legislature is primarily responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. Maps must be approved by a two-thirds vote in each chamber. If the state legislature is unable to approve new maps, a backup commission is convened to draw congressional and state legislative district boundaries. The commission consists of nine members. The four legislative leaders (i.e., the majority and minority leaders of each chamber of the legislature) appoint two members each. The ninth member is selected by the eight previously selected commissioners.[55][56]
The Connecticut Constitution requires that all districts, whether congressional or state legislative, be contiguous. In addition, state House districts must "not divide towns except where necessary to comply with other legal requirements."[57]
2020 census
The Connecticut Reapportionment Commission voted 8-0 in favor of new maps for the state's 151 House districts and 36 Senate districts on November 18 and November 23, 2021, respectively.[58][59] The commission, made up of four Democratic lawmakers, four Republican lawmakers, and a ninth member selected by the commissioners, took over the redistricting process after the previous Reapportionment Committee failed to meet its Sept. 15 deadline to select maps and win two-thirds approval from both chambers of the Connecticut General Assembly.[60] Census data was not delivered until Sept. 16. Unlike the committee, maps prepared by the Reapportionment Commission did not need to win approval from the General Assembly.[61] This map took effect for Connecticut's 2022 legislative elections.
District maps
State Senate
State House
Veto overrides
- See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures
State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Connecticut are listed below.
How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.
| Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 101 of the 151 members in the Connecticut House of Representatives and 24 of the 36 members in the Connecticut State Senate. Connecticut is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto. |
How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?
| According to Article III, Section 2 of the Connecticut Constitution, any bill that the governor vetoes after the legislature adjourns or that was vetoed during the session but not taken up by the legislature can be overridden at an automatic veto session called by the secretary of state. The automatic veto session occurs two weeks after the governor's bill signing period ends. |
Authority: Article IV, Section 15 of the Connecticut Constitution.
| "If the governor shall approve a bill, he shall sign and transmit it to the secretary of the state, but if he shall disapprove, he shall transmit it to the secretary with his objections, and the secretary shall thereupon return the bill with the governor's objections to the house in which it originated. After the objections shall have been entered on its journal, such house shall proceed to reconsider the bill. If, after such reconsideration, that house shall again pass it, but by the approval of at least two-thirds of its members, it shall be sent with the objections to the other house, which shall also reconsider it. If approved by at least two-thirds of the members of the second house, it shall be a law and be transmitted to the secretary; but in such case the votes of each house shall be determined by yeas and nays and the names of the members voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of each house respectively." |
History
Partisan balance 1992-2013
Connecticut State Senate: From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Connecticut State Senate for 20 years while the Republicans were the majority for two years. The Connecticut State Senate is 1 of 16 state senates that was Democratic for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. During the last 17 years of the study, the Connecticut senate was dominated by the Democratic Party, with the final three years being Democratic trifectas.
Across the country, there were 541 Democratic and 517 Republican state senates from 1992 to 2013.
Connecticut State House of Representatives: Throughout every year from 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Connecticut State House of Representatives. The Connecticut State House is one of 18 state Houses that was Democratic for more than 80 percent of the years between 1992-2013. During the final three years Connecticut was under Democratic trifectas.
Across the country, there were 577 Democratic and 483 Republican State Houses of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.
Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.
The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Connecticut, the Connecticut State Senate and the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.
SQLI and partisanship
- To read the full report on the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI) in PDF form, click here.
The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Connecticut state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. Between the years 1992 and 2005, Connecticut ranked in the top-10 in the SQLI ranking, in the top-5 for twelve of those thirteen years, and ranked 1st in 1992 and 1993. Beginning 2005, Connecticut dropped out of the top-10 and began a trend downward until hitting its lowest spot during the period of the study (33rd in 2012). Connecticut had divided government for eighteen years before having a Democratic trifecta in 2011. The state’s greatest decline in the SQLI ranking occurred between 2011 and 2012, when Connecticut dropped fourteen spots in the rankings. Connecticut has never had a Republican trifecta between 1992 and 2012.
- SQLI average with Democratic trifecta: 26.00
- SQLI average with Republican trifecta: N/A
- SQLI average with divided government: 6.63
Facilities
Most of the General Assembly's committee and caucus meetings are held in the modern Legislative Office Building (or LOB), while the House and Senate sessions are held in the State Capitol. The two buildings are connected via an underground tunnel known as the "Concourse," which stretches underneath an off-ramp of Interstate 84. Most offices for legislators and their aides are also housed in the LOB, though some legislative leaders choose to be based out of the State Capitol itself.
Each committee has its own office space, with most being located in the LOB. A few committees, particularly select committees, have their offices in the Capitol. Committee chairs and ranking members normally choose to have their personal offices near their committee offices, rather than staying in their caucus areas.
The General Assembly is also provided with facilities such as a cafeteria, private dining room, newsstand, and library.
Committee system
- See also: Public policy in Connecticut
The General Assembly has 25 standing committees, all of which are joint committees; that is, their membership is composed of House and Senate members alike. Several committees have subcommittees, each with their own chair and special focus.
Before most bills are considered in either the House or Senate, they must first go through the committee system. The primary exception to this rule is the emergency certification bill, or "e-cert," which can be passed on the floor without going through committee first. The e-cert is generally reserved for use during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or when deadlines are approaching too quickly to delay action.
Permanent committees
Permanent committees are authorized and required by state statute to be continued each session. No separate chamber committees are established.
The 25 permanent committees of the General Assembly are:
- Aging
- Appropriations
- Banking
- Children
- Commerce
- Education Committee
- Energy and Technology
- Environment
- Executive and Legislative Nominations
- Finance, Revenue and Bonding
- General Law
- Government Administration and Elections
- Higher Education and Employment Advancement
- Housing Committee
- Human Services
- Insurance and Real Estate
- Judiciary
- Labor and Public Employees
- Legislative Management
- Planning and Development
- Public Health
- Public Safety and Security
- Regulations Review
- Transportation
- Veterans' Affairs
Select committees
Though there are none as of the 2013 session, some committees have previously been "select" committees. Select committees are authorized to only function for a set number of years before being brought up for review. Most select committees deal with issues of major import during a particular time period and are created in response to specific problems facing the state.
Select committees that were later upgraded to standing committee status include:
Leadership and staff
Most committee chair positions are held by the ruling party, but committees considered officially bi-partisan have chairs from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses. Bi-partisan committees are ones that are mostly administrative in nature, such as the Legislative Internship Committee and the Legislative Management Committee. Most committees have ranking members, or leaders from the minority party who serve as the leaders of their party on each committee.
All committees have their own staff members. Most are led by a committee clerk and two assistant clerks. The committee clerk and one of the assistants are appointed by the majority party, while the minority party appoints the additional assistant. The exception to this rule is the Appropriations Committee, the legislature's second-largest behind the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding committee. The Appropriations Committee hires a nonpartisan senior committee administrator, who outranks the clerk and works equally with both parties.
Unlike the majority-controlled committees, nonpartisan committees only hire nonpartisan staff. Most of these staff members are researchers and analysts who deal with specific issues throughout the session.
Each committee is assigned staffers from the Office of Legislative Research, the Office of Fiscal Analysis, and the Legislative Commissioners' Office. These staffers specialize in various areas of research and legislation that pertain to the committee's mission. For example, the Transportation Committee has researchers who specialize in the state's mass transit plan and car taxes.
Public participation
The majority of General Assembly proceedings are open to members of the public. Public hearings are held regularly during the session for residents to be given a chance to testify on pending legislation. Viewing areas are offered in both chambers for people who would like to observe, though the floor of each chamber is generally restricted to legislators, staff members, interns, and certain members of the media collectively known as the Capitol Press Corps. Additionally, the Connecticut Network, or CT-N, broadcasts the majority of each session for viewing on television.
Members of the public are often recognized during legislative proceedings, particularly sessions of the House. Representatives and senators can call for a "point of personal privilege" when there is no business pending on the floor, which allows them to introduce family members or residents of their districts to the rest of the membership. The entire chamber often recognizes civic and youth groups, particularly championship-winning sports teams. Some residents receive special citations from the membership as well.
Constitutional amendments
In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.
The methods in which the Connecticut Constitution can be amended:
- See also: Article XII and Article XIII of the Connecticut Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Connecticut
The Connecticut Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution—a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Connecticut requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments. Connecticut does not feature the power of initiative for either initiated constitutional amendments or initiated state statutes.
Legislature
In Connecticut, a constitutional amendment can be referred to the ballot after one legislative session or two legislative sessions depending on the vote count.
When an amendment receives a 75% vote in both legislative chambers, the amendment goes on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 114 votes in the Connecticut House of Representatives and 27 votes in the Connecticut State Senate, assuming no vacancies.
When an amendment receives a simple majority vote in both legislative chambers, the amendment must pass during two successive legislative sessions to go on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 76 votes in the Connecticut House of Representatives and 19 votes in the Connecticut State Senate, assuming no vacancies.
Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Convention
According to Article XIII of the Connecticut Constitution, a question about whether to hold a state constitutional convention is to automatically appear on the state's ballot every 20 years starting in 1978. Connecticut is one of 14 states that provides for an automatic constitutional convention question.
The table below shows the last and next automatic constitutional convention question election years:
| State | Interval | Last question on the ballot | Next question on the ballot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 20 years | 2008 | 2028 |
The Legislature can also refer a constitutional convention question to the ballot. A two-thirds vote is required in each legislative chamber to refer a convention question to the ballot.
Proposals adopted at a state constitutional convention require voter approval.
2025 measures:
- See also: 2025 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures were certified for the ballot.
No measures to list
2024 measures:
Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2024 ballot by the legislature.
- See also: Connecticut 2024 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures were certified for the ballot.
See also
| Elections | Connecticut State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics |
|---|---|---|---|
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Session Scheduling Rules," accessed March 10, 2015
- ↑ Ballotpedia, "Article III, Connecticut Constitution," accessed March 10, 2015
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Capitol Closed, Legislative Business Suspended Until March 30," March 12, 2020
- ↑ News 8, "Lawmakers postpone legislative activities until April 13 due to coronavirus pandemic," March 24, 2020
- ↑ Hartford Courant, "Coronavirus short-circuits Connecticut’s legislative session: 'All bills are probably dead,'" April 10, 2020
- ↑ Hartford Courant, "Coronavirus forces early adjournment of Connecticut’s legislative session," April 21, 2020
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Wall Street Journal, "Connecticut Budget Deal Unlikely Before July 18, Governor Says," July 5, 2017
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 The Connecticut Mirror, "House, Senate Democrats unable to agree on provisional budget," June 27, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Budget Stalemate Causes Pain For Cities And Towns," July 30, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, Malloy's New State Education Aid Plan Cuts Or Eliminates Funding To 139 Municipalities," August 18, 2017
- ↑ The Connecticut Mirror, "State school aid: How would your town fare under Malloy’s plan?" August 18, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "General Assembly Fails To Convene To Pass 90-Day Budget," June 29, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Malloy Says Budget Could Be Delayed Until Fall," July 26, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Malloy Urges House Leaders To Approve Temporary Budget Plan As Deadline Looms," June 28, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "As House Republicans Present Budget Plans, Democrats Hopeful Of Deal By Late July," July 11, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Up Next? A $3.5 Billion Budget Deficit," August 1, 2017
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 The Hartford Courant, "With Deadline Looming, Malloy Signs Portions of the Budget Bill," October 31, 2017
- ↑ The Connecticut Mirror, "House gives final approval to CT budget fix," November 15, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Connecticut State Senate Approves Changes To State Budget," November 14, 2017
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 The Hartford Courant, "Senate Overwhelmingly Backs Bipartisan State Budget, House Votes Later Thursday," October 26, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "House Approves Bipartisan Budget With Veto-Proof Majority," October 26, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Gov. Malloy Says Newly-Adopted State Budget Contains $1 Billion Error," October 26, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Connecticut Legislators Announce Another Budget Deal That General Assembly May Vote on Wednesday," October 24, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Republicans, Democrats Agree On Compromise Budget, But Malloy Hasn't Seen It," October 18, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Wall Street Sends Connecticut A Warning," October 13, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Wall Street Issues Connecticut Another Warning," October 16, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Moody's: State Budget Crisis Threatens Financial Health Of Dozens Of Connecticut Municipalities," October 16, 2017
- ↑ U.S. News and World Report, "House Chooses Not to Bring Budget Veto Override to a Vote," October 3, 2017
- ↑ NBC Connecticut, "Schools Bracing for October 1 After Budget Vetoed," September 29, 2017
- ↑ Reuters, "Connecticut's deep spending cuts in effect as new deadline passes," October 1, 2017
- ↑ Fox Business, "Connecticut's Biggest Teachers Union Sues State Over Spending Cuts," October 11, 2017
- ↑ Education Law Center, "Connecticut," accessed October 12, 2017
- ↑ The Connecticut Mirror, "Malloy vetoes budget, seeks ‘honest dialogue’," September 28, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Both House and Senate Approve GOP Budget; Malloy Vows Veto," September 16, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Senate Votes In Favor Of Republican Budget Proposal, Bill Sent To House," September 15, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "With 5 More Democrat Votes, House Forwards GOP Budget to Malloy; Veto Expected," September 16, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Connecticut At A Turning Point As Republicans Gain Upper Hand In Budget Crisis," September 17, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "Wyman Casts Tiebreaking Vote To Approve Union Concessions Deal," July 31, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant, "House Narrowly Approves State Worker Labor Concessions," July 24, 2017
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 The Hartford Courant, "Employee Unions Endorse Concession Deal by Huge Margin, 83 to 17 Percent," July 18, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Unions Ratify Labor Savings, General Assembly Up Next," July 18, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Wage Contracts Released To Republicans," July 19, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Malloy Says Lawmakers Need To ‘Check Their Egos At the Door’," July 17, 2017
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Down To The Wire, Republican Leader’s Request For Contracts Is Ignored," July 18, 2017
- ↑ The Hartford Courant "Connecticut 4th Most Unionized State," January 27, 2017
- ↑ The Register Citizen, "Connecticut budget deficit, transportation among top session issues," January 4, 2015
- ↑ Washington Examiner, "Expected issues for 2014 Conn. legislative session," February 2, 2014
- ↑ ctmirror.org, "Winners and Losers from the 2013 legislative session," June 6, 2013
- ↑ ncsl.org, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed April 22, 2015
- ↑ Stateline, "Connecticut governor, lawmakers agree to package of tax hikes," April 21, 2011
- ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
- ↑ Connecticut Constitution, "Article Three, Section 10," accessed November 1, 2021
- ↑ All About Redistricting, "Connecticut," accessed April 22, 2015
- ↑ Connecticut Constitution, "Article XXVI, Section 2.b," accessed April 22, 2015
- ↑ All About Redistricting, "Who draws the lines?" accessed March 25, 2015
- ↑ News 12 Connecticut, "CT Reapportionment Commission unanimously votes to approve new statewide house district map," Nov. 18, 2021
- ↑ CT News Junkie, "Redistricting Commission Tweaks Senate Map," Nov. 23, 2021
- ↑ The ninth member only votes in the event of a tie.
- ↑ Connecticut General Assembly, "Frequently Asked Questions," accessed Oct. 12, 2021
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