The Waterbury Times|CT Urban Affairs|Published Mar 11, 2026

HARTFORD, Conn. — Rob Sampson said large crowds at the Connecticut Legislative Office Building on Tuesday reflected strong public opposition to several proposals currently being debated at the Connecticut General Assembly.

Residents from Waterbury, Southington, Wolcott, and Cheshire filled hearing rooms and hallways to testify on legislation related to firearms regulations, vaccine policies, and education requirements.

CT Urban Affairs-Bridgeport • Hartford • New Haven

“The message from Connecticut residents today was loud and unmistakable,” Sampson said. “Government should not be replacing parents, overriding personal medical decisions, restricting constitutional rights, or ignoring the voices of the people.”

Sampson noted many residents waited hours to speak or submitted written testimony as part of the legislative process, highlighting strong civic participation.

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What This Means for Waterbury Residents

Because the 16th District includes part of Waterbury, legislation debated in Hartford could directly affect families and neighborhoods in the city’s East End and surrounding areas. Residents in Waterbury were among those attending to push back against proposed measures that they said would expand government authority over personal and family decisions.

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Bills Discussed at the Hearing

Several proposals were discussed during the hearing, with Sampson expressing opposition to each:

• H.B. 5043 — Prohibiting the manufacture and sale of convertible pistols.
• H.B. 5436 — Addressing firearms definitions and the transfer of large-capacity magazines and assault weapons.
• S.B. 450 — Concerning standards of care for immunizations.
• H.B. 5044 — Establishing vaccine standards in Connecticut.
• H.B. 5468 — Concerning the provision of equivalent instruction for education.

“These are not extreme ideas. They are fundamental liberties,” Sampson said, noting concerns about government overreach into parental rights, medical decisions, and constitutional freedoms.

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Civic Participation Highlighted

Sampson said the hearings demonstrated the importance of public engagement.

“Hearing rooms were filled to capacity and hallways were overflowing. People made it clear they are paying very close attention to what their government is trying to do,” he said.

Public hearings at the legislature allow residents to testify in person or submit written comments before lawmakers vote on proposed legislation. Many Waterbury families took part in this process, ensuring local voices were heard in Hartford.

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About the Senator

Rob Sampson is a Republican state senator representing Connecticut’s 16th Senate District, which includes the towns of Southington, Wolcott, and parts of Cheshire and Waterbury.

Sampson has served in the State Senate since 2021 after previously serving in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Because the 16th District includes part of Waterbury, decisions on bills regarding vaccines, firearms, and education could directly impact residents in the city.

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