Connecticut House Bill HB05938

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25

Caption

An Act Requiring Certifications That Grid-scale Battery Systems Have Not Been Produced With Slave Or Child Labor.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly affect the sourcing practices for companies involved in manufacturing or operating grid-scale battery systems within the state. It will require these owners to provide certification regarding their supply chains, potentially prompting a reevaluation of vendors and suppliers to align with the new requirements. This could lead to increased operational costs for businesses that would need to ensure compliance with ethical sourcing standards, and it may also foster a more responsible supply chain environment across the industry.

Summary

House Bill 05938 aims to mandate that owners of nonresidential grid-scale battery storage systems certify that all components of such systems have been sourced from suppliers that do not utilize slave or child labor. This legislation emerges in the context of increasing concerns about labor practices in the supply chains of technological and energy storage components, with a specific focus on ensuring ethical sourcing of materials used in battery systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05938 include concerns regarding the feasibility and practicality of enforcement. Critics may argue that imposing stringent certification requirements could burden businesses, especially smaller operators who may struggle with compliance and documentation. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the adequacy of existing frameworks to verify claims of ethical sourcing, raising questions about how effectively the legislation can ensure that true territorial and labor practices are being met.