Actually, I've been getting incredible results using HTML::Mason.
The componant model makes development a snap. It does what JSPs and ASPs promise to do. The big win is the granularity of components. Unlike JSPs, they are finer than the page level. You can mix and match simple components to build a web page.
Also, the nested handlers allow you to easily maintain a consistant look and feel, make your menus and headers work automatically over multiple pages and simplify navigation.
It's a little work at the beginning to understand the intricasies of the toolkit, but the investment is really worth it. Oh yeah, to answer your question it supports sessions and database connections.
check out Mason HQ

-pete
Entropy is not what is used to be.