HB 5524, An Act Concerning The State’s Materials Management System

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Friday, March 13, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 5524, An Act Concerning The State’s Materials Management System.  CHA seeks clarifying language to the bill as written.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

While CHA and its members are supportive of efforts to reduce the use of polystyrene waste and single-use plastics, the prohibitions set forth in Section 2 of the bill would be extremely onerous in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. 

Many patients in these facilities require various accommodations due to physical disabilities, and many require delivery of meals via tube-feeding for extended periods of time.  It would be untenable, cost-prohibitive, and likely impossible in some cases to purchase the necessary supplies if the restrictions set forth in the section were applied in these particular settings.

For this reason, we respectfully ask the committee to consider inserting the following new subsection into Section 2:

(f) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to any patient care unit in any hospital or rehabilitation facility.

By including this new subsection, the committee will be making it clear that Connecticut hospitals and rehabilitation facilities are not included within the scope of the proposed prohibition. 

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.