HARTFORD, CT – Today just after the midnight hour, Senator Tony Hwang spoke and supported Senate Bill 154 as amended by (LCO) amendment 4302. Senator Hwang specifically addressed sections 3, 4, and 5 which would delay the requirement for schools in towns that have been noticed by the CT Department of Education to correct racial imbalances in their school districts until July 1, 2025. Hwang clarified and confirmed legislative intent during the Senate floor debate to confirm that even if a town had submitted its plan before July 1, 2024, those towns would still be eligible for the delay.
VIDEO LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zcA3bX7602NLlv6-AdT26lvq3EbSiOpl/view?usp=drive_link
Senator Hwang has long supported diversity in schools and educational programming, however, he noted that forced redistricting can have significant negative effects on a child who is required to change schools, leaving friends and trusted school faculty behind.
The bill now goes to the CT House of Representatives for passage before the end of session at midnight, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Upon bicameral legislative approval, Governor Lamont will need to sign it into law.