Two Republican state lawmakers have filed a lawsuit against Connecticut’s top legislative leaders, claiming they improperly used emergency powers to fast-track legislation during the 2026 session.
Reps. Anne Dauphinais (R-Killingly) and Cara Pavalock-D’Amato (R-Bristol) filed the complaint April 21 in Hartford Superior Court against House Speaker Matthew Ritter (D-Hartford) and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven). The lawsuit challenges the use of “emergency certification,” a process that allows legislative leaders to bring bills to a vote without the usual waiting period if immediate action is deemed necessary.
The complaint claims the procedure was used repeatedly without justification to circumvent the committee hearings, public input and debate required under both state law and the state constitution.
“At issue is whether legislative leaders can use emergency powers as a routine tool rather than a limited exception,” the complaint states, arguing the practice undermines the constitutional requirement for a deliberative legislative process.
The lawsuit focuses on two bills passed in February under emergency certification: an omnibus measure covering education, public safety and other policy areas, and a bill addressing out-of-state beverage container redemption. Both were approved by the House and Senate within days without public hearings or committee approval.
Gov. Ned Lamont later signed them into law.
The lawsuit claims that no actual emergency existed to justify the unusual procedures, despite formal certification letters issued by Ritter and Looney asserting the need for immediate action.
The complaint also cites public remarks by Ritter suggesting the move was, in part, a response to legislative delays, including extended debate by GOP lawmakers.
Dauphinais and Pavalock-D’Amato have asked the court to declare the use of emergency certification in these cases unlawful and to establish clearer limits on when the process can be used.
A spokesperson for Ritter said he is aware of the lawsuit but referred any request for comment to state Attorney General William Tong’s office.
A spokesperson for Tong said his office is “reviewing the matter and will be defending” Ritter and Looney in the lawsuit.
