Constitution of Connecticut (2025 publisher edition) — Article THIRD

Publisher edition notice: The publisher identifies this compilation as revised to January 1, 2025. It preserves the annotated original 1965 text and all ratified amendments, alongside the Revisors' unofficial convenience version incorporating extant amendments. The latter does not supersede the original Constitution and amendments; later changes have not been independently verified.

Article THIRD Revisors’ compilation incorporating extant amendments; publisher convenience version.

ARTICLE THIRD.
OF THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
(Legislative power, in whom vested.)
Sec. 1. The legislative power of this state shall be vested in two distinct houses or
branches; the one to be styled the senate, the other the house of representatives, and
both together the general assembly. The style of their laws shall be: Be it enacted by
the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened.
(General assembly, when and where held. Adjournment. Reconvened session
to consider vetoes.)
Sec. 2. There shall be a regular session of the general assembly on the Wednesday
following the first Monday of January in the odd-numbered years and on the Wednes-
day following the first Monday of February in the even-numbered years, and at such
other times as the general assembly shall judge necessary; but the person administer-
ing the office of governor may, on special emergencies, convene the general assembly
at any other time. All regular and special sessions of the general assembly shall be held
at Hartford, but the person administering the office of governor may, in case of special
emergency, convene the assembly at any other place in the state. The general assembly
shall adjourn each regular session in the odd-numbered years not later than the first
Wednesday after the first Monday in June and in the even-numbered years not later
than the first Wednesday after the first Monday in May and shall adjourn each special
session upon completion of its business. If any bill passed by any regular or special
session or any appropriation item described in Section 16 of Article Fourth has been
disapproved by the governor prior to its adjournment, and has not been reconsidered
by the assembly, or is so disapproved after such adjournment, the secretary of the
state shall reconvene the general assembly on the second Monday after the last day on
which the governor is authorized to transmit or has transmitted every bill to the secre-
tary with his objections pursuant to Section 15 of Article Fourth of this constitution,
whichever occurs first; provided if such Monday falls on a legal holiday the general
assembly shall be reconvened on the next following day. The reconvened session shall
be for the sole purpose of reconsidering and, if the assembly so desires, repassing such
bills. The general assembly shall adjourn sine die not later than three days following
its reconvening. In the even year session the general assembly shall consider no busi-
ness other than budgetary, revenue and financial matters, bills and resolutions raised
by committees of the general assembly and those matters certified in writing by the
speaker of the house of representatives and president pro tempore of the senate to be
of an emergency nature.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, incorporates Article III., of the Amendments to the Constitution of the
State of Connecticut. Said Article III., was adopted on November 25, 1970, and revised existing language concerning
dates for convening regular sessions of the general assembly to provide for annual, rather than biennial, sessions, retain-
ing original date of Wednesday following the first Monday in January for odd-numbered years and instituting Wednesday
following the first Monday in February as the commencement date for sessions in even-numbered years, and specified
the business which may be considered during sessions in even-numbered years.

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252 CODIFIED CONSTITUTION Art. III
INCORPORATING ALL EXTANT AMENDMENTS
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
(Senate, number, qualifications.)
Sec. 3. The senate shall consist of not less than thirty and not more than fifty
members, each of whom shall have attained the age of eighteen and be an elector
residing in the senatorial district from which he is elected. Each senatorial district
shall be contiguous as to territory and shall elect no more than one senator.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, incorporates Article II., Sec. 1, of the Amendments to the Constitution
of the State of Connecticut, and the first section of Article XV., of said Amendments. Said Article II., Sec. 1, was adopted
on November 25, 1970, and required that senators have attained the age of twenty-one. Said Article XV., was adopted on
November 26, 1980, and reduced the required minimum age to eighteen.
(House of representatives, how constituted.)
Sec. 4. The house of representatives shall consist of not less than one hundred twen-
ty-five and not more than two hundred twenty-five members, each of whom shall have
attained the age of eighteen years and be an elector residing in the assembly district
from which he is elected. Each assembly district shall be contiguous as to territory
and shall elect no more than one representative. For the purpose of forming assembly
districts no town shall be divided except for the purpose of forming assembly districts
wholly within the town.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, incorporates Article II., Sec. 2, of the Amendments to the Constitution
of the State of Connecticut, and the second section of Article XV., of said Amendments. Said Article II., Sec. 2, was
adopted on November 25, 1970, and required that representatives have attained the age of twenty-one. Said Article XV.,
was adopted on November 26, 1980, and reduced the required minimum age to eighteen.
(Congressional and general assembly districts to be consistent with federal
standards.)
Sec. 5. The establishment of congressional districts and of districts in the general
assembly shall be consistent with federal constitutional standards.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, incorporates Article XVI., Sec. 1 of the Amendments to the Constitu-
tion of the State of Connecticut. Said Article XVI., Sec. 1 was adopted on November 26, 1980, and required that congres-
sional districts be established in a manner consistent with federal constitutional standards.
(Reapportionment procedure. Reapportionment Committee. Reapportion-
ment Commission.)
Sec. 6. a. The assembly and senatorial districts and congressional districts as now
established by law shall continue until the regular session of the general assembly next
after the completion of the taking of the next census of the United States. On or before
the fifteenth day of February next following the year in which the decennial census
of the United States is taken, the general assembly shall appoint a reapportionment
committee consisting of four members of the senate, two who shall be designated by
the president pro tempore of the senate and two who shall be designated by the minor-
ity leader of the senate, and four members of the house of representatives, two who
shall be designated by the speaker of the house of representatives and two who shall
be designated by the minority leader of the house of representatives, provided there
are members of no more than two political parties in either the senate or the house of
representatives. In the event that there are members of more than two political parties
in a house of the general assembly, all members of that house belonging to the parties
other than that of the president pro tempore of the senate or the speaker of the house
of representatives, as the case may be, shall select one of their number, who shall des-
ignate two members of the committee in lieu of the designation by the minority leader
of that house. Such committee shall advise the general assembly on matters of appor-
tionment. Upon the filing of a report of such committee with the clerk of the house of
representatives and the clerk of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives

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Art. III CODIFIED CONSTITUTION 253
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
INCORPORATING ALL EXTANT AMENDMENTS
and the president pro tempore of the senate shall, if the general assembly is not in
regular session, convene the general assembly in special session for the sole purpose
of adopting a plan of districting. Upon the request of the speaker of the house of rep-
resentatives and the president pro tempore of the senate, the secretary of the state shall
give notice of such special session by mailing a true copy of the call of such special
session, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to each member of
the house of representatives and of the senate at his or her address as it appears upon
the records of said secretary not less than ten nor more than fifteen days prior to the
date of convening of such special session or by causing a true copy of the call to be
delivered to each member by a constable, state policeman or indifferent person at least
twenty-four hours prior to the time of convening of such special session. Such general
assembly shall, upon roll call, by a yea vote of at least two-thirds of the membership of
each house, adopt such plan of districting as is necessary to preserve a proper appor-
tionment of representation in accordance with the principles recited in this article.
Thereafter the general assembly shall decennially at its next regular session or special
session called for the purpose of adopting a plan of districting following the comple-
tion of the taking of the census of the United States, upon roll call, by a yea vote of at
least two-thirds of the membership of each house, adopt such plan of districting as is
necessary in accordance with the provisions of this article.
b. If the general assembly fails to adopt a plan of districting by the fifteenth day
of the September next following the year in which the decennial census of the United
States is taken, the governor shall forthwith appoint a commission designated by the
president pro tempore of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the
minority leader of the senate and the minority leader of the house of representatives,
each of whom shall designate two members of the commission, provided that there
are members of no more than two political parties in either the senate or the house of
representatives. In the event that there are members of more than two political parties
in a house of the general assembly, all members of that house belonging to the parties
other than that of the president pro tempore of the senate or the speaker of the house of
representatives, as the case may be, shall select one of their number, who shall desig-
nate two members of the commission in lieu of the designation by the minority leader
of that house. The eight members of the commission so designated shall within thirty
days select an elector of the state as a ninth member.
c. The commission shall proceed to consider the alteration of districts in accord-
ance with the principles recited in this article and it shall submit a plan of districting
to the secretary of the state by the thirtieth day of the November next succeeding the
appointment of its members. No plan shall be submitted to the secretary unless it is
certified by at least five members of the commission. Upon receiving such plan the
secretary shall publish the same forthwith, and, upon publication, such plan of district-
ing shall have the full force of law. If the commission shall fail to submit such a plan
by the thirtieth day of November, the secretary of the state shall forthwith so notify the
chief justice of the supreme court.
d. Original jurisdiction is vested in the supreme court to be exercised on the peti-
tion of any registered voter whereby said court may compel the commission, by man-
damus or otherwise, to perform its duty or to correct any error made in its plan of
districting, or said court may take such other action to effectuate the purposes of this
article, including the establishing of a plan of districting if the commission fails to
file its plan of districting by the thirtieth day of November as said court may deem

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254 CODIFIED CONSTITUTION Art. III
INCORPORATING ALL EXTANT AMENDMENTS
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
appropriate. Any such petition shall be filed within thirty days of the date specified
for any duty or within thirty days after the filing of a plan of districting. The supreme
court shall render its decision not later than forty-five days following the filing of such
petition or shall file its plan with the secretary of the state not later than the fifteenth
day of February next following the time for submission of a plan of districting by the
commission. Upon receiving such plan the secretary shall publish the same forthwith,
and, upon publication, such plan of districting shall have the full force of law.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, incorporates Article XII., of the Amendments to the Constitution of
the State of Connecticut, and Article XVI., Sec. 2, Article XXVI., and Article XXX., Sec. 2, of said Amendments. Said
Article XII., was adopted on November 24, 1976, and added provisions in subsection a. requiring the appointment of a
reapportionment committee and set forth the procedures governing the designation of its members, changed the deadline
for enactment of a redistricting plan in subsection b. from the April first next following the completion of a census to the
May fifteenth next following completion and added a ninth commission member, to be selected by the eight appointees
of the speaker, president pro tem and minority leaders, in subsection c., changed the deadline for the submission of the
plan to the secretary of the state from the July first next succeeding the appointment of commission members to the
September first next succeeding their appointment, required certification by five commission members rather than six
and added new provision requiring secretary of the state to notify the chief justice in the event that the commission fails
to submit a plan, and entirely replaced former subsections d. and e. which had authorized empaneling a three-member
board to consist of superior court judges charged with altering districts as need be with a new subsection d. vesting
original jurisdiction in the supreme court to compel the commission to perform its duties or to correct errors in the plan
or to establish a plan itself. Said Article XVI., Sec. 2, was adopted on November 26, 1980, and replaced references to
the “completion” of a census with references to the “taking” of a census throughout this section, amended subsection a.
to include congressional districts and to add provisions governing the calling of a special session to adopt a redistrict-
ing plan, amended subsection b. to change the deadline for adoption of a plan from May fifteenth to August first in the
year next following the census, amended subsection c. to change the deadline from the September first next succeeding
the appointment of members to the October thirtieth next succeeding their appointment, and amended subsection d. to
change the deadline for filing a petition from “within forty-five days of the date specified for any duty or within forty-five
days after the filing of a plan of districting” to “within thirty days” of such date for any duty or filing, to reduce the time
allotted for supreme court action on a petition from sixty to forty-five days and to change court’s deadline for filing its
own plan from the December fifteenth following a census to the January fifteenth next following the commission’s dead-
line for submission of a plan. Said Article XXVI., was adopted on November 28, 1990, and amended subsection b. to
change the deadline for adoption of a plan from the August first next following the year a census is taken to the fifteenth
of September next following such year, amended subsection c. to change the deadline from the October thirtieth next
succeeding the appointment of members to the November thirtieth next succeeding their appointment and amended sub-
section d. to change court’s deadline for filing its own plan from the January fifteenth next following the commission’s
deadline for submission of a plan to the February fifteenth following the commission’s deadline. Said Article XXX., Sec.
2, was adopted on November 29, 2000, and amended subsection a. by deleting reference to sheriff and deputy sheriff.
(Canvass and declaration of votes. Return and result to be submitted to both
houses.)
Sec. 7. The treasurer, secretary of the state, and comptroller shall canvass publicly
the votes for senators and representatives. The person in each senatorial district having
the greatest number of votes for senator shall be declared to be duly elected for such
district, and the person in each assembly district having the greatest number of votes
for representative shall be declared to be duly elected for such district. The general
assembly shall provide by law the manner in which an equal and the greatest number
of votes for two or more persons so voted for for senator or representative shall be
resolved. The return of votes, and the result of the canvass, shall be submitted to the
house of representatives and to the senate on the first day of the session of the general
assembly. Each house shall be the final judge of the election returns and qualifications
of its own members.
(General assembly, election.)
Sec. 8. A general election for members of the general assembly shall be held on the
Tuesday after the first Monday of November, biennially, in the even-numbered years.
The general assembly shall have power to enact laws regulating and prescribing the
order and manner of voting for such members, for filling vacancies in either the house
of representatives or the senate, and providing for the election of representatives or

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Art. III CODIFIED CONSTITUTION 255
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
INCORPORATING ALL EXTANT AMENDMENTS
senators at some time subsequent to the Tuesday after the first Monday of November
in all cases when it shall so happen that the electors in any district shall fail on that day
to elect a representative or senator.
(Counting of votes. Return of votes.)
Sec. 9. At all elections for members of the general assembly the presiding officers
in the several towns shall count and declare the votes of the electors in open meeting.
The presiding officers shall make and certify duplicate lists of the persons voted for,
and of the number of votes for each. One list shall be delivered within three days to
the town clerk, and within ten days after such meeting, the other shall be delivered to
the secretary of the state.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, incorporates Article XXXIV., of the Amendments to the Constitution
of the State of Connecticut. Said Article XXXIV., was adopted on November 30, 2022, and replaced “receive the votes
of the electors, and count and declare them” with “count and declare the votes of the electors” and deleted “under seal”.
(Term of office.)
Sec. 10. The members of the general assembly shall hold their offices from the
Wednesday following the first Monday of the January next succeeding their election
until the Wednesday after the first Monday of the third January next succeeding their
election, and until their successors are duly qualified.
(Dual job ban.)
Sec. 11. No member of the general assembly shall, during the term for which he is
elected, hold or accept any appointive position or office in the judicial or executive
department of the state government, or in the courts of the political subdivisions of the
state, or in the government of any county. No member of congress, no person holding
any office under the authority of the United States and no person holding any office
in the judicial or executive department of the state government or in the government
of any county shall be a member of the general assembly during his continuance in
such office.
(Officers. Quorum.)
Sec. 12. The house of representatives, when assembled, shall choose a speaker,
clerk, and other officers. The senate shall choose a president pro tempore, clerk and
other officers, except the president. A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum
to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the
attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house
may prescribe.
(Powers of each house.)
Sec. 13. Each house shall determine the rules of its own proceedings, and punish
members for disorderly conduct, and, with the consent of two-thirds, expel a member,
but not a second time for the same cause; and shall have all other powers necessary for
a branch of the legislature of a free and independent state.
(Journal. Yeas and nays.)
Sec. 14. Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same
when required by one-fifth of its members, except such parts as in the judgment of a
majority require secrecy. The yeas and nays of the members of either house shall, at
the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journals.

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256 CODIFIED CONSTITUTION Art. III
INCORPORATING ALL EXTANT AMENDMENTS
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
(Privilege from arrest. Privilege as to speech or debates.)
Sec. 15. The senators and representatives shall, in all cases of civil process, be
privileged from arrest, during any session of the general assembly, and for four
days before the commencement and after the termination of any session thereof.
And for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any
other place.
(Debates to be public.)
Sec. 16. The debates of each house shall be public, except on such occasions as in
the opinion of the house may require secrecy.
(Salary. Transportation.)
Sec. 17. The salary of the members of the general assembly and the transportation
expenses of its members in the performance of their legislative duties shall be deter-
mined by law.
(Limit on state expenditures. Maximum authorized increase; “emergency or
extraordinary circumstances”; definitions to be defined by general assembly.
Surplus.)
Sec. 18. (a) The amount of general budget expenditures authorized for any fiscal
year shall not exceed the estimated amount of revenue for such fiscal year.
(b) The general assembly shall not authorize an increase in general budget
expenditures for any fiscal year above the amount of general budget expenditures
authorized for the previous fiscal year by a percentage which exceeds the greater
of the percentage increase in personal income or the percentage increase in infla-
tion, unless the governor declares an emergency or the existence of extraordinary
circumstances and at least three-fifths of the members of each house of the general
assembly vote to exceed such limit for the purposes of such emergency or extraordi-
nary circumstances. The general assembly shall by law define “increase in personal
income”, “increase in inflation” and “general budget expenditures” for the purposes
of this section and may amend such definitions, from time to time, provided general
budget expenditures shall not include expenditures for the payment of bonds, notes
or other evidences of indebtedness. The enactment or amendment of such defini-
tions shall require the vote of three-fifths of the members of each house of the
general assembly.
(c) Any unappropriated surplus shall be used to fund a budget reserve fund or for
the reduction of bonded indebtedness; or for any other purpose authorized by at least
three-fifths of the members of each house of the general assembly.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, was added by Article XXVIII., of the Amendments to the Constitution
of the State of Connecticut. Said Article XXVIII., was adopted on November 25, 1992, and limited state expenditures in
any fiscal year and designated purposes for which unappropriated surpluses may be used.
(Special Transportation Fund. Resources of fund to be expended for transpor-
tation purposes.)
Sec. 19. The Special Transportation Fund shall remain a perpetual fund. The
general assembly shall direct the resources of said fund solely for transportation pur-
poses, including the payment of debt service on obligations of the state incurred for
transportation purposes. Sources of funds, moneys and receipts of the state credited,
deposited or transferred to said fund by state law on or after the effective date of this
amendment shall be credited, deposited or transferred to the Special Transportation

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Art. IV CODIFIED CONSTITUTION 257
OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
INCORPORATING ALL EXTANT AMENDMENTS
Fund, so long as such sources are authorized by statute to be collected or received
by the state, or any officer thereof, and the general assembly shall enact no law
authorizing the resources of said fund to be expended other than for transportation
purposes.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, was added by Article XXXII., of the Amendments to the Constitution
of the State of Connecticut. Said Article XXXII., was adopted on November 28, 2018.
(Legislation requiring state agency to sell, transfer or dispose of real property
or interest in real property.)
Sec. 20. (a) The general assembly shall not enact any legislation requiring a state
agency to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any real property or interest in real
property that is under the custody or control of such agency to any person or entity
other than another state agency unless a committee of the general assembly has held a
public hearing regarding such sale, transfer or disposition of such property or interest
and the act of the general assembly requiring such sale, transfer or disposition of real
property or interest in real property is limited in subject matter to provisions concern-
ing such sale, transfer or disposition.
(b) In the case of real property or an interest in real property that is under the
custody or control of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection, or a successor agency of either department, in addition to
complying with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section, any act requiring
the sale, transfer or disposition of such property or interest shall pass upon roll call by
a yea vote of at least two-thirds of the total membership of each house.
Historical Note: This section, as printed here, was added by Article XXXIII., of the Amendments to the Constitution
of the State of Connecticut and designated as “Sec. 20”. Said Article XXXIII., was adopted on November 28, 2018.

Article THIRD Original 1965 text and publisher annotations; retained historical context.

ARTICLE THIRD.*
OF THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT.
* Qualification for admission as attorney a judicial matter and not under control of legislature. 145 C. 222. Cited.
175 C. 586; 222 C. 166.
Cited. 11 CS 489.
(Legislative power, in whom vested.)
Sec. 1.1 The legislative power of this state shall be vested in two distinct houses or
branches; the one to be styled the senate, the other the house of representatives, and
both together the general assembly. The style of their laws shall be: Be it enacted by
the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened.
1 The general assembly is vested with power to enact retrospective legislation. 4 C. 227; 15 C. 495–498; 28 C. 102; 30
C. 155; Id., 327; 77 C. 528; 78 C. 427; 81 C. 213; 104 C. 584; 3 Dal. 391. The constitution is a grant, not a limitation of
power. 85 C. 319; 96 C. 112. Where the constitution requires that an act should be done generally, the general assembly
has power to prescribe the mode. 13 C. 119; 22 C. 632, 633. In matters in the nature of contractual relations the general
assembly may modify or restrict the future exercise of its powers. 17 C. 40; Id., 93; 36 C. 282. The general assembly has
power to validate an usurious contract; 28 C. 102; 30 C. 155; or an invalid tax lien. 90 C. 312; 104 C. 584. See 107 C.
705. Statutes affecting remedies, although retrospective, are constitutional. 30 C. 324. A statute providing that votes in an
election of state officers might be taken outside the limits of the state held unconstitutional. Id., 591. The legislature may
delegate governmental power to municipal corporations; 39 C. 183; 60 C. 103; 80 C. 480; or to subordinate boards. 88
C. 471; 89 C. 530; see 151 U.S. 556. Prior to the adoption of Art. 10, Sec. 3 of 1818 constitution, the general assembly
had power to authorize towns to aid in the construction of railways. 41 C. 234. Local option law held not a delegation of
legislative power. 42 C. 369–374. Power of general assembly over the assets of an insurance company. Id., 594–598. The
general assembly may repeal any law, except those in the nature of grants. 45 C. 142. A special act extending the time
for an appeal from probate held constitutional. Id., 313. Legislation in the exercise of the police power of the state held

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Art. III CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT 167
constitutional. Id., 358. An act authorizing a tenant in tail to convey the property in fee simple held constitutional. 23 C.
94; 44 C. 109; 51 C. 45. The general assembly may at any time change the laws of inheritance. Id., 64. Commissions to
cause removal of grade crossings may be created by the legislature. 54 C. 297, 298.
Power of legislature over local municipalities. 68 C. 140; 10 How. 511; 170 U.S. 309. The legislature is the sole
authority that can act for the state in accepting a trust. 69 C. 64. The general assembly cannot authorize the courts nor
the judges thereof to exercise powers essentially legislative, the execution of which is not incidental to the discharge
of any judicial function. Id., 576; 72 C. 4. Duty of legislature to provide for support of judiciary. 78 C. 547. Laws must
be certain; Id., 266; and accord with republican form of government. 81 C. 536. Legislature may enact succession tax
law with reasonable classification of estates. 76 C. 241. May repeal forfeiture to be recovered in qui tam action, to af-
fect pending suits. 78 C. 428. May delegate to commission determination of number of railway tracks to be allowed on
highway bridge; 89 C. 531; or value of condemned property; 76 C. 566; but cannot grant to it legislative discretion. 89
C. 530. Determines what property shall be taxed; 85 C. 124; Id., 348; but power not unlimited. 73 C. 255; 85 C. 344; 90
C. 666; 6 Wall. 594; 100 U.S. 491.
Cannot grant state aid to all veterans of civil war resident in the state. 85 C. 344. May require records kept by em-
ployers as to their employees to be open to inspection by public official. 86 C. 141. May validate acts not originally
in constitutional form. 87 C. 506. A grant to a municipality of the right to condemn land need not follow this form. Id.
Legislature can grant land between high and low water. 88 C. 12. Power to establish and maintain highways; 68 C. 131;
75 C. 451; to impose burden of building sidewalks and curbs, of paving, keeping sidewalks clean, etc. Id.; Id., 471; 76
C. 97; 77 C. 219; 83 C. 204; 203 U.S. 379. Power over public officers and their salaries; granting extra compensation
without approval of governor. 78 C. 553. May fix terms of judges. 87 C. 555. May impose on town payment of officer
appointed by state; 76 C. 167; of control of towns in general, see 10 How. 511; 170 U.S. 309. May make statute of limita-
tion applicable to pending action. 77 C. 528. Can prohibit marriage of epileptics. 78 C. 242. Can prescribe conditions of
admission to learned professions. 79 C. 55. Has wide discretion as to penalty for criminal act. 83 C. 1. May fix arbitrary
sum to be paid by railroad for blocking highway. 82 C. 1. Power over municipal corporations. 68 C. 140. Our legislature
has broader powers than those of some states. 67 C. 465. Cannot authorize change in charitable trust. 85 C. 309. Leg-
islature can establish statutory crime of libel, despite its existence at common law. 90 C. 98. For limitations on power
of validation, see 107 C. 705; on power to delegate rate making to a municipality. 106 C. 576. May determine where
trolley company may lay tracks within a city, or delegate that power to the city. 107 C. 321. Statute delegating to milk
administrator power to set minimum prices held not to afford requisite standards of policy and procedure. 126 C. 623.
Act requiring mayor’s approval of application for license to sell gasoline held not to set up sufficient guides for mayor’s
discretion. 128 C. 701–705. An act which serves no other purpose than individual gain is beyond the legislature’s power
hereunder. 133 C. 511. Cited. 135 C. 653. Power to adopt town plan rests solely upon police power, and is valid as to
property owners affected only after notice and opportunity to be heard plus opportunity to appeal to courts. 137 C. 84.
Creation of independent authorities to effectuate a public purpose within the area of the municipality is a proper exercise
of the legislative function. 140 C. 8.
Court review of legislation enacted under police power discussed. 147 C. 48. Challenge of unconstitutional delega-
tion of legislative power is successfully met if ordinance declares a legislative policy, establishes primary standards for
carrying it out or lays down an intelligible principle to which agency must conform with a proper regard for protection
of public interest. Regulations themselves are not unconstitutional because of failure to establish adequate standards to
meet constitutional requirement. 149 C. 712. Delegation of legislative power in chapter 579 to a private corporation is
constitutional if it serves a public purpose. In creating agency to administer law complete in itself and designed to ac-
complish particular purpose, legislature, having established primary standards to carry out law, may authorize agency to
adopt rules and regulations to execute provisions of law. 150 C. 333. Objection based on unconstitutional delegation of
legislative power overcome. 152 C. 57–59. Claim that act authorizing insurance rate-regulatory procedures constituted
an illegal delegation of legislative power to insurance commissioner and private insurance companies held invalid. 153
C. 465, 478. Legislature cannot provide for a suspension of probate court judges by probate court administrator as con-
stitution establishes a four-year term for probate judges. 157 C. 150. Fixing of court fees is a legislative function and
attempted delegation of this power to probate court administrator is unconstitutional. Id. Public purpose for legislative
acts, defined. 162 C. 291. Constitutionality of chapter 581 (Secs. 32-32–32-46, 1972 public act 248, the “Connecticut
Product Development Corporation Act”) upheld. 167 C. 111. Court has long held that every presumption will be in favor
of the constitutionality of a legislative act and parties challenging the constitutionality of an act in a proceeding seeking
declaratory relief have the burden of showing its invalidity beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. For legislative delegation of
powers to an administrative instrumentality to survive a constitutional attack, statute must declare a legislative policy,
establish primary standards or lay down an intelligible principle to which the instrumentality must conform. Within these
limitations, statute may authorize instrumentality to supply the details of its operations by passing its own rules and
regulations. Id. Modern trend holds that statutory standards are constitutionally sufficient so long as they are described
as definitely as reasonably practicable under the circumstances. Id. Chapter 581 (Secs. 32-32–32-46, 1972 public act
248, the “Connecticut Product Development Corporation Act”) contains adequate standards; no improper delegation of
legislative power has resulted in contravention of this article and section. Id., 123. Cited. 174 C. 146; 193 C. 670; 194
C. 165. Valid or invalid delegation of legislative power cited. 196 C. 623. Cited. 197 C. 554; 203 C. 63. Delegation of
legislative power discussed. 209 C. 652. Cited. 212 C. 570; 232 C. 345.
Cited. 23 CA 221. The enactment clause provision refers only to laws passed by General Assembly and not to pub-
lished compilations of all laws passed by legislature in a given session, as is required to be prepared and published by
statute. 123 CA 862. Claims act, Chapter 53, is not an unconstitutional delegation of authority by the legislature. 133
CA 479.
Challenge of constitutional delegation of legislative power is successfully met if statute declares a legislative policy,
establishes primary standards for carrying it out, or lays down intelligible principle to which agency must conform, with

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168 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Art. III
proper regard for protection of public interests, and affords a resort to courts for protection of both public interests and
private rights. 23 CS 357.
(General assembly, when and where held. Adjournment. Reconvened session
to consider vetoes.)
Sec. 2. 1 There shall be a regular session of the general assembly to commence on
the Wednesday following the first Monday of the January next succeeding the election
of its members, and at such other times as the general assembly shall judge neces-
sary; but the person administering the office of governor may, on special emergencies,
convene the general assembly at any other time. All regular and special sessions of
the general assembly shall be held at Hartford, but the person administering the office
of governor may, in case of special emergency, convene the assembly at any other
place in the state. The general assembly shall adjourn each regular session not later
than the first Wednesday after the first Monday in June following its organization and
shall adjourn each special session upon completion of its business. If any bill passed
by any regular or special session or any appropriation item described in Section 16 of
Article Fourth has been disapproved by the governor prior to its adjournment, and has
not been reconsidered by the assembly, or is so disapproved after such adjournment,
the secretary of the state shall reconvene the general assembly on the second Monday
after the last day on which the governor is authorized to transmit or has transmit-
ted every bill to the secretary with his objections pursuant to Section 15 of Article
Fourth of this constitution, whichever occurs first; provided if such Monday falls on a
legal holiday the general assembly shall be reconvened on the next following day. The
reconvened session shall be for the sole purpose of reconsidering and, if the assembly
so desires, repassing such bills. The general assembly shall adjourn sine die not later
than three days following its reconvening.
1 Amended by Article III., of the Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Connecticut.
(Senate, number, qualifications.)
Sec. 3.1 The senate shall consist of not less than thirty and not more than fifty
members, each of whom shall be an elector residing in the senatorial district from
which he is elected. Each senatorial district shall be contiguous as to territory and shall
elect no more than one senator.
1 Amended by Article II., Sec. 1, and Article XV., Sec. 1, of the Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Con-
necticut.
(House of representatives, how constituted.)
Sec. 4.1 The house of representatives shall consist of not less than one hundred
twenty-five and not more than two hundred twenty-five members, each of whom shall
be an elector residing in the assembly district from which he is elected. Each assembly
district shall be contiguous as to territory and shall elect no more than one representa-
tive. For the purpose of forming assembly districts no town shall be divided except for
the purpose of forming assembly districts wholly within the town.
1 Amended by Article II., Sec. 2, and Article XV., Sec. 2, of the Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Con-
necticut.
(Districts to be consistent with federal standards.)
Sec. 5.1 The establishment of districts in the general assembly shall be consistent
with federal constitutional standards.
1 Amended by Article XVI., Sec. 1, of the Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Connecticut.

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Art. III CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT 169
(Decennial reapportionment.)
Sec. 6.1 a. The assembly and senatorial districts as now established by law shall
continue until the regular session of the general assembly next after the completion
of the next census of the United States. Such general assembly shall, upon roll call,
by a yea vote of at least two-thirds of the membership of each house, enact such plan
of districting as is necessary to preserve a proper apportionment of representation in
accordance with the principles recited in this article. Thereafter the general assembly
shall decennially at its next regular session following the completion of the census of
the United States, upon roll call, by a yea vote of at least two-thirds of the membership
of each house, enact such plan of districting as is necessary in accordance with the
provisions of this article.
b. If the general assembly fails to enact a plan of districting by the first day of
the April next following the completion of the decennial census of the United States,
the governor shall forthwith appoint a commission consisting of the eight members
designated by the president pro tempore of the senate, the speaker of the house of
representatives, the minority leader of the senate and the minority leader of the house
of representatives, each of whom shall designate two members of the commission,
provided that there are members of no more than two political parties in either the
senate or the house of representatives. In the event that there are members of more
than two political parties in a house of the general assembly, all members of that house
belonging to the parties other than that of the president pro tempore of the senate or
the speaker of the house of representatives, as the case may be, shall select one of their
number, who shall designate two members of the commission in lieu of the designa-
tion by the minority leader of that house.
c. The commission shall proceed to consider the alteration of districts in accord-
ance with the principles recited in this article and it shall submit a plan of districting to
the secretary of the state by the first day of the July next succeeding the appointment
of its members. No plan shall be submitted to the secretary unless it is certified by at
least six members of the commission. Upon receiving such plan the secretary shall
publish the same forthwith, and, upon publication, such plan of districting shall have
the full force of law.
d. If by the first day of the July next succeeding the appointment of its members
the commission fails to submit a plan of districting, a board of three persons shall
forthwith be empaneled. The speaker of the house of representatives and the minor-
ity leader of the house of representatives shall each designate, as one member of the
board, a judge of the superior court of the state, provided that there are members of
no more than two political parties in the house of representatives. In the event that
there are members of more than two political parties in the house of representatives,
all members belonging to the parties other than that of the speaker shall select one
of their number, who shall then designate, as one member of the board, a judge of
the superior court of the state, in lieu of the designation by the minority leader of the
house of representatives. The two members of the board so designated shall select an
elector of the state as the third member.
e. The board shall proceed to consider the alteration of districts in accordance
with the principles recited in this article and shall, by the first day of the October next
succeeding its selection, submit a plan of districting to the secretary. No plan shall be
submitted to the secretary unless it is certified by at least two members of the board.
Upon receiving such plan, the secretary shall publish the same forthwith, and, upon
publication, such plan of districting shall have the full force of law.

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170 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Art. III
1 Amended by Article XII., Article XVI., Sec. 2, Article XXVI., and Article XXX., Sec. 2, of the Amendments to the
Constitution of the State of Connecticut.
(Canvass and declaration of votes. Return and result to be submitted to both
houses.)
Sec. 7.1 The treasurer, secretary of the state, and comptroller shall canvass publicly
the votes for senators and representatives. The person in each senatorial district having
the greatest number of votes for senator shall be declared to be duly elected for such
district, and the person in each assembly district having the greatest number of votes
for representative shall be declared to be duly elected for such district. The general
assembly shall provide by law the manner in which an equal and the greatest number
of votes for two or more persons so voted for for senator or representative shall be
resolved. The return of votes, and the result of the canvass, shall be submitted to the
house of representatives and to the senate on the first day of the session of the general
assembly. Each house shall be the final judge of the election returns and qualifications
of its own members.
¹Elections clause affords the state House of Representatives exclusive jurisdiction over plaintiff ’s election challenge,
particularly in the absence of legislation sharing that jurisdiction with the courts in some way. 331 C. 436.
(General assembly, election.)
Sec. 8. 1 A general election for members of the general assembly shall be held on the
Tuesday after the first Monday of November, biennially, in the even-numbered years.
The general assembly shall have power to enact laws regulating and prescribing the
order and manner of voting for such members, for filling vacancies in either the house
of representatives or the senate, and providing for the election of representatives or
senators at some time subsequent to the Tuesday after the first Monday of November
in all cases when it shall so happen that the electors in any district shall fail on that day
to elect a representative or senator.
1 Cited. 163 C. 637.
(Counting of votes. Return of votes.)
Sec. 9.1 At all elections for members of the general assembly the presiding officers
in the several towns shall receive the votes of the electors, and count and declare them
in open meeting. The presiding officers shall make and certify duplicate lists of the
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each. One list shall be delivered
within three days to the town clerk, and within ten days after such meeting, the other
shall be delivered under seal to the secretary of the state.
1 Amended by Article XXXIV., of the Amendments to the Constitution of the State of Connecticut.
Statutes allowing soldiers to vote in the field for state officers held unconstitutional. 30 C. 591.
(Term of office.)
Sec. 10. The members of the general assembly shall hold their offices from the
Wednesday following the first Monday of the January next succeeding their election
until the Wednesday after the first Monday of the third January next succeeding their
election, and until their successors are duly qualified.
(Dual job ban.)
Sec. 11. 1 No member of the general assembly shall, during the term for which he
is elected, hold or accept any appointive position or office in the judicial or executive
department of the state government, or in the courts of the political subdivisions of the
state, or in the government of any county. No member of congress, no person holding
any office under the authority of the United States and no person holding any office
in the judicial or executive department of the state government or in the government

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Art. III CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT 171
of any county shall be a member of the general assembly during his continuance in
such office.
1 Statutory dual job prohibition as creating disqualification for second office or as implying resignation of first of-
fice. 146 C. 299. Does not violate equal protection guarantees or first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. State college
teacher is appointive position. Section was intended to encompass state employment generally. Not void for vagueness
or impermissibly over broad. 175 C. 586.
Cited. 9 CA 825; 37 CA 348.
(Officers. Quorum.)
Sec. 12. 1 The house of representatives, when assembled, shall choose a speaker,
clerk, and other officers. The senate shall choose a president pro tempore, clerk and
other officers, except the president. A majority of each house shall constitute a quorum
to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and compel the
attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house
may prescribe.
1 Clerks proper custodians of files and records of legislature during its sessions. 77 C. 262. Cited. 135 C. 653.
(Powers of each house.)
Sec. 13.1 Each house shall determine the rules of its own proceedings, and punish
members for disorderly conduct, and, with the consent of two-thirds, expel a member,
but not a second time for the same cause; and shall have all other powers necessary for
a branch of the legislature of a free and independent state.
1 Courts will not enter into question whether legislature has followed correct procedure in passing act. 79 C. 152.
Cited. 135 C. 653; 194 C. 165.
Cited. 11 CA 342.
(Journal. Yeas and nays.)
Sec. 14. 1 Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and publish the same
when required by one-fifth of its members, except such parts as in the judgment of a
majority require secrecy. The yeas and nays of the members of either house shall, at
the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the journals.
1 Cited. 135 C. 653.
Cited. 31 CS 392.
(Privilege from arrest. Privilege as to speech or debates.)
Sec. 15. 1 The senators and representatives shall, in all cases of civil process, be
privileged from arrest, during any session of the general assembly, and for four days
before the commencement and after the termination of any session thereof. And for
any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned in any other place.
1 Cited. 192 C. 704; 197 C. 566. Issuance of subpoena by impeachment committee not protected by speech and debate
clause where there is a colorable claim brought in good faith. 271 C. 540.
Plaintiff’s claims against legislative defendants in their official capacities barred by absolute legislative immunity
provided by speech and debate clause. 148 CA 605.
(Debates to be public.)
Sec. 16.1 The debates of each house shall be public, except on such occasions as in
the opinion of the house may require secrecy.
1 Cited. 232 C. 345.

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172 CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Art. IV
(Salary. Transportation.)
Sec. 17. The salary of the members of the general assembly and the transportation
expenses of its members in the performance of their legislative duties shall be deter-
mined by law.