Catholic Public Policy Office Celebrates Legislative Wins
Story by Jim Tierney
The Connecticut Catholic Public Affairs Conference had a successful 2026 legislative session, helping defeat efforts to expand abortion rights, weaken protections for Catholic hospitals and schools, and restrict vacation Bible schools.
“Like all advocacy groups, the conference depends greatly on those who respond to our action alerts and contact their elected representatives and submit testimony,” says Deacon David Reynolds, the Conference’s associate director of public policy. “Thanks to the hard work of faithful citizens who did their part, we were able to protect our religious freedom and respect for life.”
Below is a summary of proposals opposed by the Conference, the voice of the Catholic Church on issues, during the Connecticut Legislative Session that adjourned May 6.
Senate Bill 295, Aborton/Gender Identity Shield Law. The Conference opposed a bill expanding legal protections for abortion and transgender-related telehealth providers across state lines, arguing it would hinder other states’ ability to enforce their laws; the bill died on the Senate calendar.
“Many states and European nations are changing regulations for minors with gender dysphoria based on new studies,” Reynolds explains. “Connecticut should not protect doctors treating patients in other states through telemedicine where that approach is banned.”
House Bill 5516, Religious Freedom – Catholic Hospitals. The Conference opposed this bill, arguing it would limit Catholic hospitals’ ability to enforce their religious healthcare directives. The bill died on the House calendar.
“If someone was to read this proposed legislation the attack on Catholic hospitals would not be self-evident,” Reynolds says. “However, once the testimony is given at the public hearing the target becomes very clear. The advocates want doctors within Catholic hospitals to provide support for abortions and gender-affirming care, without any disciplinary actions taken against them.”
House Bill 5309, Parental Notification for a Minor’s Abortion. The bill would have required parents to be notified when a minor seeks an abortion, though it did not require parental consent. The bill received its first public hearing on the issue in Connecticut but died in committee without a vote.
“Connecticut has a mixed public policy on minors,” Reynolds explains. “Parts of our laws hold that a minor is not mature enough mentally to decide about getting a tattoo or taking an aspirin at school without a parent’s permission. However, when it comes to obtaining an abortion, they are mature enough to make a decision to have one without any parental involvement.”
House Bill 5044 (Vaccine Bill) Protect Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Conference opposed HB 5044’s removal of certain vaccination laws from Connecticut’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, arguing that it weakens religious liberty protections and sets a troubling precedent. The bill was ultimately passed and was signed into law.
“Although the Church has no formal objections to vaccinations, eroding a law that is meant to give citizens a right to protect their religious beliefs is a major concern,” Reynolds explains. “The Conference views this as an erosion of religious liberty in our state and an opening of the door to future limitations on our first freedom.”
Senate Bill 137 Vacation Bible School Reclassification. The Conference opposed a provision that would have subjected vacation Bible schools to day camp regulations and fees, arguing it would burden churches. The language was later removed from the bill.
“The original language in this bill would have been devastating to all Catholic and non-Catholic vacation Bible schools in our state,” Reynolds says. “We are very fortunate that we were able to get the language removed.”
To stay informed of Connecticut Catholic Conference issues, call 860.524.7882 or visit action.ctcatholicpac.org or ctcatholic.org.