Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 23, 2026 7 POLITICS & POLICY | CAPITOL RUNDOWN Manufacturing Success Through Precision Insight Citrin Cooperman's Manufacturing Industry Practice provides accounting, tax, and advisory solutions to aid manufacturing leaders in strengthening their operations, enhancing profitability, and reaching their business goals with confidence. "Citrin Cooperman" is the brand name under which Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP and Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and its subsidiaries provide professional services. Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP and Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC (and its subsidiaries) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides audit and attest services to its clients. Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and its subsidiary entities provide tax, advisory, and consulting services to their clients. Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms and, therefore, cannot provide attest services. Published 2026. 1 Bradley Rd Building 600, Woodbridge, CT 06525 | 203.387.0852 CITRINCOOPERMAN.COM Self-checkout limits proposed for CT grocery stores Connecticut lawmakers are consid- ering legislation that would place limits on the use of self-checkout lanes at grocery stores, drawing pushback from retailers and support from labor unions. Senate Bill 438 would require stores to operate at least one staffed checkout lane for every two self-checkout stations, assign one employee to monitor every two machines and cap stores at eight self-checkout stations. Retailers and business groups say the mandates would raise labor costs and reduce flexibility, while unions argue the rules would help protect jobs, reduce theft and improve customer service. Striking workers bill revived Democratic lawmakers are again considering legislation that would allow certain striking workers to collect unemployment benefits — a proposal Gov. Ned Lamont vetoed last year. Senate Bill 440 would allow workers involved in labor disputes beginning after Dec. 14, 2027, to receive benefits if a strike lasts at least 14 days. Business groups and Republican lawmakers oppose the measure, arguing unemployment insurance should only cover workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own and warning the change could strain the state's unemployment trust fund. Bill would let small businesses pool workers for health insurance State lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow small businesses to pool workers to purchase health insurance, potentially lowering costs. House Bill 5378 would authorize groups of employers to form "multiple employer welfare arrangements," allowing them to jointly offer health benefits while operating under state regulation. Supporters, including the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, say the measure would improve small firms' bargaining power in the insurance market. Labor groups oppose the proposal, warning the arrangements could weaken consumer protections and expose workers to greater financial risk. Bill would require CT employers to include pay ranges in job postings Connecticut employers would be required to disclose salary ranges and a general description of benefits in job postings under legislation being considered by the General Assembly's Labor and Public Employees Committee. House Bill 5387 would require employers to include wages or wage ranges and a description of benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans and paid leave in both public and internal job advertisements. The proposal would also allow job applicants or employees to file civil lawsuits over violations and seek damages of $1,000 to $10,000, plus attorney's fees and other relief. Bill proposes DECD concierge service for small businesses A bill before the General Assembly would require the state Department of Economic and Community Devel- opment to establish a concierge service for small businesses. House Bill 5467, introduced by the legislature's Commerce Committee, would direct the DECD commis- sioner to designate a staff member within the Office of Small Business Affairs to serve as a single point of contact for businesses seeking information about state economic development programs. The proposal, which received a public hearing March 10, would take effect Oct. 1 if approved. Image created by ChatGPT

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