The Connecticut Daily Newspaper association provides its members, legislators, and the general public with valuable informational resources regarding the practice and governance of our community newspapers. Become informed of current legislation, policy, and reform concerning local government and the general public in Connecticut. Learn how CDNA is working with the law to maintain journalistic integrity.
2010 General Assembly Issues:
Public Notice Advertising
Without question, the most significant issue of the 2010 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly for the newspaper industry involved public notice advertising. Beginning with the Governor's budget address and residing in no less than three legislative proposals, the issue garnered significant attention in Hartford. CDNA members launched a massive public education campaign, utilizing their own newspapers as well as the testimonials of community leaders to get the message to Hartford that the public's right to know should not be a casualty of the current economic downturn.
CDNA was able to successfully defend the public's right to know in this legislative session.
Carrier Insurance
Another issue with potentially significant impact on the industry was the result of an accident by a newspaper carrier who was uninsured at the time of the crash. HB 5238, An Act Requiring Verification of Automobile Insurance Coverage of Persons Engaged in the Delivery of Newspaper, would require newspapers to check license, insurance and registration validity prior to signing a contract with any carrier. While most CDNA member papers expressed that license and insurance checks are standard, the registration check entails a 3-4 week delay in processing from the state and an additional $45 fee.
This bill was not called in the House in the final days of the session, thus it is dead.
