reSET – Social Enterprise Trust is excited to celebrate the passage of Connecticut’s Benefit Corporation bill H.B. 6356 in the House of Representatives! This afternoon, May 20th, 2013 with a vote of 128 in favor, and just 12 opposed, the House brought Connecticut one step closer to putting the most comprehensive benefit corporation legislation in the nation into law. This legislation will enable social entrepreneurs to incorporate using business designations that help protect their organization’s social mission, and provide a legal framework for social enterprise that is transparent, accessible, easy to replicate, and simple to implement.

Representative Gregg Haddad [D – 54th] introduced the bill on the House floor early this afternoon, and fielded numerous questions regarding various technical elements of the bill from Republican legislators, led by Rep. Gail Lavielle [R – 143rd]. After almost two hours’ of debate, the bill was put up for a vote, and passed with strong bi-partisan support. The next step in the legislative process will be when the bill heads to the State Senate, where Senator Gary Lebeau [D – 3rd] is expected to introduce the bill next week.

A special thanks goes out to Representative Haddad who has been a tireless advocate for benefit corporation legislation, and to Governor Malloy for his efforts to introduce the bill at the beginning of the session. A special thanks also goes out to the Connecticut Bar Association for their guidance and support with regards to drafting the bill and educating legislators on its importance, and the positive impact it will have in the state. Last but not least, a big thanks also goes out to everyone across the state who has shown their support for bringing social enterprise legislation to Connecticut by contacting their local legislators, or testifying in support of the bill – you have all made this day possible.

It’s not too late to show your support for H.B. 6356 – Click Here to learn how to contact your State Senator, and ask them to support the bill when it is brought before the Senate. It’s also not too early to start thinking about incorporating as a benefit corporation if the bill passes – join us at reSET and help make Connecticut a hub for Social Enterprise! For additional information and inquiries, please contact James Woulfe at jwoulfe@www.socialenterprisetrust.org.