State Rep. Greg Howard

A new state law prohibiting law enforcement from being within 250 feet of an election site without permission from state election officials, except in specific narrow exceptions, is causing frustration among some police chiefs and lawmakers.

Non-compliance with the law is now classified as a Class C felony.

“This is a direct shot at law enforcement officers,” said Rep. Greg Howard, a Stonington Republican who opposed the bill. “It’s a direct effect on the municipality because it creates a real problem for police officers to do their job in these locations. Departments across Connecticut can’t fill their ranks, and every session they hand officers one more reason to hang it up. Then they wonder why recruitment and retention is a crisis.”

Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson said that law enforcement being threatened with a felony charge is concerning, saying it has a “chilling effect.”

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You likely won’t see police near CT election sites this year. Here’s why “This is a direct shot at law enforcement officers,” said Rep. Greg Howard. “It creates a real problem for police officers to do their job in these locations.”

Rep. Greg Howard (R-Stonington), the House ranking member of the Public Safety and Security Committee and a career police officer, flagged these problems during session and has been fielding questions from departments as the Aug. 11 primary approaches. It was Howard's pushback that forced Democrats to amend the law in PA 26-76 just two weeks after passing it, adding narrow carve-outs to limit the damage to local police. He contends those changes didn't go far enough to eliminate confusion.

"This is what happens when you legislate for a headline, ignoring people who have to work under the law," he said. "Officers are asking basic questions. Can I patrol the areas I usually do? How long can I stay at a nearby diner if I'm off duty? Can I walk into my own police station?"

Standing in the wrong spot near a polling place is now a felony for local police. That's what happens when the far left is calling the shots in the legislature. Good news though: the Secretary of the State sent out handy signs so officers know where they're not allowed to stand. Reps. Candelora and Howard weigh in ⬇️

*** NEWS RELEASE ***

CT House GOP: Democrats' Anti-ICE Law is a Trap for Local Police

HARTFORD – With early voting for the August primary starting Monday, House Republicans on Friday warned that a new state law aimed at federal immigration agents, passed by Democrats during the 2026 session, is putting local police officers at legal risk.

PA 26-42 makes it a Class C felony for a law enforcement officer to be within 250 feet of an election site, with narrow exceptions. Because so many towns use town halls, senior centers and school buildings as polling and early voting locations, the restricted zones now cover ordinary streets, businesses and municipal buildings that are routinely patrolled by officers.

Police chiefs across the state are scrambling to write their own guidance so their officers don't end up facing a felony charge for doing their jobs.

"Democrats wrote this law to make a political statement about ICE, and now local cops throughout Connecticut are the ones left with the headache," said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford). "We warned them. They passed it anyway."

"The language is so open to interpretation that all it takes is one person with a grudge against police to file a complaint and put an officer's career on the line," Candelora said. "That's why chiefs are calling legal counsel rather than having their officers simply rely on the lawn signs with a QR code that have been sent out by the Secretary of the State."

Rep. Greg Howard (R-Stonington), the House ranking member of the Public Safety and Security Committee and a career police officer, flagged these problems during session and has been fielding questions from departments as the Aug. 11 primary approaches. It was Howard's pushback that forced Democrats to amend the law in PA 26-76 just two weeks after passing it, adding narrow carve-outs to limit the damage to local police. He contends those changes didn't go far enough to eliminate confusion.

"This is what happens when you legislate for a headline, ignoring people who have to work under the law," he said. "Officers are asking basic questions. Can I patrol the areas I usually do? How long can I stay at a nearby diner if I'm off duty? Can I walk into my own police station?"

Howard said it reflects a broader pattern in the General Assembly.

"This is how the progressive Democrat majority treats police officers in this state. First they make the job harder, then they pat themselves on the back for developing 'incentives' to draw people to a profession they've made less and less attractive," he said. "Departments across Connecticut can't fill their ranks, and every session they hand officers one more reason to hang it up. Then they wonder why recruitment and retention is a crisis."

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

I don’t know about you, but every day I thank God we live in the greatest country on the face of the earth. The liberties we enjoy were earned through the courage and sacrifice of generations who believed that our nation was worth fighting for. As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors this Independence Day, let's take a moment to remember those who have served and continue to serve to protect those freedoms.

Wishing everyone in Stonington, North Stonington, Ledyard, and across Connecticut a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July.

Several new laws will take effect July 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. You can find a link to a complete list of all bills that passed, and a link to laws that are taking effect on July 1st here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp

A father’s job is never done—whether it’s coaching a game, fixing something around the house, offering advice, or simply being there when it matters most.

Today we say thank you to all the dads and father figures who show up every day for their families. Your love, patience, and guidance make a lasting difference.

Happy Father’s Day!

State Rep. Greg Howard gave some remarks at the Tourism Coalition Legislative Wrap Up Friday morning. He also spoke to the Executive Director Frank Burns of the Connecticut Tourism Coalition.

In recognition of America’s upcoming 250th birthday, my office organized a student poster project to celebrate and reflect on what our country means to the young fourth graders in North Stonington.

Great job kids! Love the addition to my legislative office wall.

Please be careful.

Great news for North Stonington. State bonding dollars for Wheeler Library 📚