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We advocate for policies that grow our state’s life science industry.
In this fast-moving industry, BioCT keeps policy makers and influencers abreast of the latest developments and changing needs of the life science community.
Advocacy & Government Affairs
Our mission is to provide education and advocacy for Connecticut’s bioscience and life science communities at the policy level and ensure synergy of action and alignment of state and federal initiatives that have a significant impact on our members. Learn more about BioCT.
BioCT’s 2025 Legislative Agenda
BioCT works to ensure Connecticut remains economically competitive for life sciences industries and jobs.
View the BioCT 2025 Legislative Agenda
Meet Sam Epstein, 2025 Policy Intern
At just 14 years old, Sam Epstein is already making waves in the world of bioscience policy. In a recent Q&A, he shares what drew him to BioCT, and the surprising lessons he’s learned about the power of state-level policy.
WATCH NOW:
BioCT’s Annual Legislative Breakfast Meeting
Recorded: 1/27/2025
2025 Testimony and Issues of Interest
SB 1246 — An Act Concerning Revenue Items to Implement the Governor’s Budget
February 26, 2025 | Testimony Before the Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee
BioCT testimony in support of Senate Bill 1246, advocating for an increased R&D tax credit exchange rate, inclusion of non-corporate entities, and an accelerated Capital Base Tax phase-out to strengthen Connecticut’s life sciences industry.
SB 714 — An Act Restoring Service on the Shore Line East Rail Line
February 26, 2025 | Testimony Submitted to the Transportation Committee
BioCT testimony in support of Senate Bill 714, advocating for the restoration of Shore Line East rail service to pre-pandemic levels to strengthen Connecticut’s life sciences industry by improving transportation access, attracting talent, and fostering economic growth.
HB 6870 — An Act Addressing Patients’ Prescription Drug Costs
February 18, 2025 | Testimony Submitted to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee
BioCT testimony on HB 6870 raises concerns that the bill could deter investment, hinder innovation, and create a negative regulatory environment for the life sciences industry in Connecticut. BioCT emphasizes the importance of balancing patient access to affordable medicines while fostering industry growth and protecting pharmaceutical safety standards.
Previous Years
2024 Public Policy Report Card
2024 BioCT Legislative agenda
2024 BioCT Legislative Summary
Roberta Willis Scholarship Program
Testimony for the Appropriations Committee
BioCT testimony supports increased funding for the Roberta Willis Scholarship Program, highlighting the state’s low investment in student grant aid and the growing disparities in college enrollment, especially among low-income and minority students. BioCT urges support for funding increases to improve access to higher education and promote a highly trained workforce.
SB 379 – An Act Increasing The Rate Of The Credit Refund Value For Certain Expenditures By Biotechnology Companies
March 14, 2024 | Testimony Submitted to the Commerce Committee
BioCT testimony in support of SB 379 urges increasing the R&D tax credit refund to keep Connecticut competitive in life sciences. Similar investments in neighboring states have driven growth, and enhancing this credit will attract biotech companies, spur innovation, and create jobs. BioCT strongly supports SB 379 to strengthen the state’s economy.
SB 307 – An Act Concerning Medicaid Coverage Of Biomarker Testing
March 12, 2024 | Testimony Submitted to the Human Services Committee
BioCT testimony in support of SB 307 urges Medicaid coverage for biomarker testing, a critical tool for precision medicine that improves treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes. This bill ensures Medicaid enrollees have access to the same scientific advancements as those with private insurance, reducing disparities and optimizing care.
SB 8 – AAC Drug Affordability
March 12, 2024 | Testimony Submitted to the Human Services Committee
BioCT testimony opposes SB 8, citing concerns that setting pharmaceutical prices could hinder life science innovation, limit pharmacy options, and deter investment in Connecticut’s growing biotechnology sector. BioCT urges policymakers to consider the negative impact on patient access and scientific progress.
HB 5367 – AN ACT CONCERNING MEDICAID COVERAGE OF RAPID WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING FOR CRITICALLY ILL INFANT
March 7, 2024 | Testimony Submitted to the Human Services Committee
BioCT testimony supports H.B. 5367, which expands Medicaid coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing for critically ill infants. BioCT emphasizes that this tool significantly shortens diagnostic times for rare diseases and reduces costs, advocating for its broader use to improve patient outcomes without overburdening the Medicaid program.
SB 277 – AN ACT RESTORING SERVICES ON THE SHORE LINE EAST RAIL LINe
March 4, 2024 | Testimony Submitted to the Transportation Committee
BioCT testimony in support of SB 277 urges the restoration of Shore Line East rail service to pre-pandemic levels. Reliable transportation is essential for Connecticut’s life sciences industry, supporting workforce retention, business growth, and economic strength.
HB 5054 – AN ACT ADDRESSING HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY
February 27, 2024 | Testimony Submitted to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee
BioCT testimony opposes H.B. 5054, which proposes the establishment of a Prescription Drug Advisory Board to review drug costs and recommend affordability strategies. BioCT argues that imposing price controls on biopharmaceutical products would reduce incentives for innovation, harm Connecticut’s biopharmaceutical sector, and limit access to new therapies, ultimately damaging both the industry and the state’s economy.
2023 BioCT Legislative agenda
Join Bill 5014 – an act concerning the cap on research and development tax credits
February 27, 2023
BioCT respectfully requested that the committee amend the bill to: (1) increase the cash exchange rate for biotechnology companies from 65 percent to 100 percent; (2) increase the R&D tax credit rate from 70 percent to 100 percent for biotechnology businesses; and (3) expand the R&D tax credit to include biotechnology S Corporations and LLCs.