Commerce Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5614
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMMISSION ON THE DISPARATE IMPACT OF
Title: COVID-19.
Vote Date: 3/11/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/11/2021
File No.: 621 (146)
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. Jason Rojas, 9th Dist.
Rep. Patricia Billie Miller, 145th Dist.
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill would establish a commission to analyze the disparate impacts of Covid-19 on
different racial and socioeconomic groups in Connecticut and would consist of members
appointed by the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the House
Majority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, House Minority Leader, Senate Minority Leader and
the Governor.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
The CHRO (Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities) strongly supports HB 5614
because they believe that Covid-19 has had a greater negative impact on women and
communities of color.
Steve Jones supports HB 5614 because of the greater negative socioeconomic and
racial/ethnic impacts on mortality, health effects, vaccination rates and minority owned
businesses.
Kelly McConney-Interim Senior Policy Counsel for the Connecticut ACLU supports the
concept of HB 5614 because of systemic inequalities in healthcare, employment and state
and federal pandemic responses that have made marginalize people more vulnerable to
death and harm from COVID-19.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None
Reported by: Assistant Clerk: Jason Snukis Date: March 21, 2021
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