State Rep. Brian Lanoue R-Griswold, announced his legislative proposals for the current legislative session, including introducing a bill to study increased accountability and competition in the electric utility market and one that would require parental notification for a minor seeking an abortion.

Lanoue, whose district now includes Ledyard and Preston, introduced An Act Creating a Task Force to Study Increased Accountability and Competition in the Electric Distribution Market. Lanoue said in a news release announcing his legislative priorities that he has been working to establish the task force and to introduce competition and possibly allowing municipal electric companies to expand their service areas.

In a position Lanoue called adding “another layer of protection for children and parental rights,” Lanoue announced he has introduced legislation to require parental notification prior to a minor girl receiving an abortion. Lanoue said he will “stand firm” in his belief that parents know what is in the best interest of their children.

“Regardless of one's position on abortion, when someone can take a girl as young as 12 years old to have an abortion without even letting the child's parents know is deeply disturbing," Lanoue said in the news release. “This certainly does not reflect the values of the people in my district and residents throughout Connecticut. This is very straightforward and common-sense legislation that ensures parents know what is happening with their children."

Lanoue said he has received bipartisan support for another bill that would allow income tax deductions for stipends paid to volunteer firefighters, fire police and volunteer ambulance members. Lanoue said he has been the General Assembly member leading the introduction of the bill the past two sessions. The bill has been reintroduced this year to give more incentives to people to serve their communities.

“"With the rising costs of gear and travel expenses to get to fellow citizens’ emergencies, we need to ensure that our volunteer first responders have every advantage in doing so," Lanoue said in the news release. “Offering this tax exemption will hopefully serve as another tool in the toolbox for our towns to attract volunteers, specifically our young people who are particularly eager to serve their communities.”

Another bill aimed at strengthening public safety would allow a local fire chief to issue a permit for medically trained personnel to use a flashing red light to respond more quickly to an emergency situation.

Lanoue represents the 45th General Assembly District which includes the towns of Griswold, Ledyard, Lisbon, Preston, and Voluntown.

c.bessette@theday.com