Senator Sam Caligiuri (R-16) will testify before the General Assembly’s General Law Committee this week in favor of his proposal to root out corruption and bring transparency to the financial affairs of the trash hauling industry in Connecticut.

The General Law Committee will hold its public hearing on Senator Caligiuri’s proposed legislation, SB 522, An Act Requiring The Licensing And Oversight Of Private Solid Waste Haulers, at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 6th in Room 2A of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

“Ongoing allegations of corruption in the trash hauling industry make it clear that we need a state law that provides for responsible oversight and regulation of companies operating in Connecticut. My proposal is intended to allow the state to regulate who is involved in this industry, as well as create transparency of the finances of these companies. These reforms should give consumers confidence in the industry, and its participants,” said Senator Caligiuri.

Senator Caligiuri’s proposal calls for:

• Requiring all trash hauling companies operating in Connecticut to be licensed by the state Department of Consumer Protection. Licenses would be renewable every five years. Also, the bill includes provisions under which licenses may be denied or revoked.

• Requiring all trash hauling companies to submit to an annual audit by an independent certified public accountant. Audits would be filed with the commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection.

• Requiring all trash hauling companies to file with the state Department of Consumer Protection prior notice of financial transactions with affiliate companies.

• Requiring that all mergers and acquisitions of trash hauling companies be approved by the state Department of Consumer Protection.

• Requiring the state Department of Consumer to adopt regulations, including a consumer bill of rights. This bill of rights would include provisions addressing fairness in the conduct of contracts with consumers, as well as adequate minimum notice of contract terminations and rate increases.

• Requiring that violations of the law be treated as an unfair trade practice.