Connecticut's 2026 Legislative Session Begins at the Capitol

Gov. Ned Lamont to deliver State of the State speech as lawmakers consider issues like school cellphone bans

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Connecticut legislature's 2026 session has begun, with lawmakers set to consider a range of issues including a potential statewide ban on cellphones in schools. Governor Ned Lamont is scheduled to deliver his State of the State address at noon. The session is expected to last 13 weeks and will focus on the governor's proposals and committee-sponsored bills.

Why it matters

The start of Connecticut's legislative session marks an important time for the state as lawmakers work to address key issues and pass new laws. The debate over a potential cellphone ban in schools is one example of a high-profile education policy that could have significant impacts on students, teachers, and families across the state.

The details

During an Education Committee meeting this morning, members voted to raise the idea of legislation concerning phone-free schools, though the proposal faced some opposition. While the committee's leaders and Governor Lamont support a statewide cellphone ban, some lawmakers like State Rep. Anne Dauphinais expressed concerns about a state mandate, preferring to let individual towns make their own decisions. Despite the opposition, Education Committee co-chair Jennifer Leeper said she is optimistic about passing a statewide school cellphone ban this session with the governor's support.

  • The 2026 Connecticut legislative session began on February 4, 2026.
  • Governor Ned Lamont is scheduled to deliver his State of the State speech at noon on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut who has proposed a statewide cellphone ban in schools and signed a declaration to keep $330.8 million in emergency state funding available through the end of the next fiscal year.

Jennifer Leeper

The Democratic co-chair of the Connecticut Education Committee who is optimistic about passing a statewide school cellphone ban into law this legislative session.

Anne Dauphinais

A Republican state representative from Killingly, Connecticut who voted against raising the concept of a statewide school cellphone ban, preferring to let individual towns make their own decisions.

Martin M. Looney

The Democratic Majority Leader Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate, who is one of the two longest-serving legislators in the state.

Erica Thompson

The chaplain for the Connecticut House of Representatives who led a prayer before the start of the legislative session.

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What they’re saying

“I would be in favor of a town making their decisions for their own students in their own town.”

— Anne Dauphinais, State Representative (Stamford Advocate)

“This emergency funding has been a collaborative process with the state legislature, and over the last several months it has been used judiciously and carefully to ensure that programs supporting basic needs – such as food and nutrition assistance, health care services, homelessness prevention and response, mental health services, and other health and human services programs – remain available, and aren't suddenly and cruelly terminated without warning.”

— Ned Lamont, Governor (Stamford Advocate)

“that the laws debated and enacted may promote justice, protect the vulnerable, strengthen our communities and serve the well-being of all who call Connecticut home; remind us that leadership is not about power, but about responsibility; not about conviction, but about humility; not only about vision, but about care for our neighbors.”

— Erica Thompson, Chaplain, Connecticut House of Representatives (Stamford Advocate)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.