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Read. Follow. Verify.Connecticut bill authorizes $50,000 in state bonds to build a prison garden at York Correctional Institution
Last action · February 4, 2026: Referred to Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and BondingSponsors: Heather Somers and 1 other
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What This Bill Proposed
Proposed SB 53 authorizes up to $50,000 in state bonds for the Department of Correction to establish a garden that grows fresh produce for inmates at York Correctional Institution.
The measure allocates state borrowing authority specifically to agricultural production within a correctional facility, impacting capital funds managed by the .
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Department of Correction
Receives bond proceeds and manages the establishment and operation of the garden.
Inmates at York Correctional Institution
Receive fresh produce grown in the newly established facility garden.
Key Facts
- The State Bond Commission is empowered to authorize state bond issuance up to an aggregate of $50,000.
- The purpose of the garden is to grow fresh produce for the inmates.
- The bonds are issued in accordance with section 3-20 of the general statutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money does this bill authorize for the prison garden?
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.
Procedural history
1 action- Feb 4, 2026Connecticut General AssemblyCommitteeReferred to Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
cga.ct.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance15Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 15)
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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