State Sen. Tony Hwang Receives 2025 AARP Legislative Achievement Award

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28th) has been selected by AARP to receive its 2025 Legislative Achievement Award for his role in advancing legislation aimed at preventing discrimination in long-term care facilities.

The award recognizes Hwang’s work on House Bill 6913, which was approved by the 2025 General Assembly and signed into law. The measure prohibits long-term care facilities and their staff from discriminating against residents based on characteristics including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and HIV status. The law applies to nursing homes and other long-term care settings across Connecticut.

"Living in a nursing home can offer many benefits and many challenges. Senator Hwang’s leadership on the Aging Committee has helped reduce one of the challenges faced by residents – discrimination," said AARP State Director Nora Duncan in a statement. "A nursing home is just that, a home. A home should be free from discrimination at all levels. AARP appreciates the work of Senator Hwang on this important 2025 legislation."

— State Sen. Tony Hwang, center, recently received AARP's 2025 Legislative Achievement Award. Photo credit: Connecticut Senate Republicans

Hwang, who serves as ranking member of the legislature’s Aging Committee, said the law is intended to ensure that older residents are treated with dignity and respect.

"As Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, I have long believed that every Connecticut resident, no matter their background or identity, deserves dignity, safety, and respect in their later years," Hwang said. "This award from AARP highlights an important step forward in protecting the rights of those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. I am grateful for AARP’s partnership and advocacy, and I will continue working to support our aging population and their families."

Hwang is serving his sixth term in the Connecticut State Senate. During his tenure, he has focused on aging policy, health care issues and bipartisan legislation affecting seniors and long-term care providers.

According to AARP, the Legislative Achievement Award is presented to lawmakers whose work has had a significant impact on older adults and their families in Connecticut.