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HB 5938

AN ACT REQUIRING CERTIFICATIONS THAT GRID-SCALE BATTERY SYSTEMS HAVE NOT BEEN PRODUCED WITH SLAVE OR CHILD LABOR.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Anderson and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut would require certification that grid-scale batteries weren't produced using child or slave labor before installation in state infrastructure.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
#childlabor #electricstoragebatteries #publicutilities
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Bill Summary · HB 5938

Legislative bill overview

HB 5938 would require grid-scale battery systems sold or used in Connecticut to be certified as not produced using slave labor or child labor. The bill establishes a certification requirement that would apply to battery manufacturers or suppliers before installation in the state's electrical grid infrastructure.

Why is this important

Battery production is a growing industry tied to renewable energy expansion, and manufacturing often occurs in countries with varying labor standards. This bill addresses concerns about whether renewable energy infrastructure inadvertently supports exploitative labor practices, attempting to align clean energy goals with labor rights standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Certification burden and cost: Manufacturers may argue that implementing verification systems for supply chains is expensive and administratively complex, potentially increasing battery costs for consumers and slowing grid modernization projects
  • Definition and enforcement clarity: The bill lacks specifics on what constitutes acceptable certification, who verifies compliance, what penalties exist for violations, and how deeply suppliers must trace supply chains
  • Practical feasibility: Battery supply chains are global and opaque; proving the absence of child/slave labor across all component sourcing may be technically impossible or extremely costly, potentially limiting available products
  • Competitive disadvantage: Stringent certification requirements could disadvantage domestic manufacturers or create barriers to entry for smaller producers compared to larger competitors with established compliance infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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