Rep. John-Michael Parker

Maddy summaryHB 5986 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (up to three children) against personal income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families filing taxes, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive the full amount even if their tax liability is zero. This policy provides direct cash support to qualifying households with children, reducing their overall tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 5878 requires schools to use only the State Board of Education's designated health assessment form for student enrollment, affecting parents, guardians, and school staff during registration. The bill amends statute 10-206 to mandate that this specific state-provided form is the sole acceptable record for health assessments. It does not change health requirements but standardizes the documentation process across all schools. This policy change directly impacts enrollment procedures without altering medical guidelines or adding new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5879 requires Connecticut's Department of Education to create a model curriculum for preventing opioid use and related disorders, primarily affecting public school students and educators. The bill mandates the development of two specific elements: (1) a standardized curriculum for schools to adopt, and (2) guidelines for volunteer-led substance abuse prevention presentations in public schools. This model curriculum would provide schools with evidence-based content to address opioid prevention, while the guidelines would standardize how outside volunteers can deliver such presentations. The law aims to establish consistent, school-appropriate resources for preventing opioid misuse among students.

Maddy summaryHB 5456 would amend state laws to permit the use of psilocybin (a compound found in certain mushrooms) for medical and therapeutic treatments. It specifically allows healthcare providers to offer psilocybin-based care for physical, mental, or behavioral health conditions under a legal framework. This bill would directly affect patients seeking alternative therapies and healthcare professionals providing such treatments. The policy change establishes a regulated pathway for psilocybin use in clinical settings, separate from recreational or non-medical applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the president of the University of Connecticut to secure spots at accredited out-of-state veterinary schools for up to five state residents each year. To support this initiative, the legislation appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the university for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and are designed to expand educational opportunities for Connecticut residents in veterinary medicine.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Sexual Assault Criminal Justice Response, Enhancement and Model Policy Advisory Council to evaluate and improve how Connecticut handles sexual assault cases. The council will examine current practices by law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and correctional facilities, including data accuracy, risk assessments, and training for officials. It establishes a diverse group of members appointed by government leaders, including representatives from police, victim advocates, and community organizations, to guide these efforts. The council is tasked with developing a new model policy by July 2025 and updating it annually, which will then be distributed to all law enforcement units in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund, a separate financial entity designed to collect and manage money specifically for early childhood education and child care needs. The fund is established as an independent source of money that cannot be mixed with state funds, meaning the state has no claim to the money inside it and is not responsible for any debts the fund might incur. The Treasurer is authorized to invest these funds in various financial instruments to grow the account, while a new Advisory Commission will oversee the fund's financial health and create a ten-year spending plan. This commission includes a diverse group of appointed members representing parents, businesses, philanthropies, and various types of child care providers to guide how the money is used.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies to create a streamlined process that helps children enrolled in the HUSKY A health program easily access other nutrition benefits like WIC and SNAP. Starting in January 2025, the Departments of Public Health, Social Services, and Agriculture must work together to simplify enrollment, provide clear fact sheets, and make application forms available online and by phone. The legislation also directs these departments to coordinate specifically for children over six who are transitioning from the WIC program to SNAP, while prohibiting the governor from reducing funding for these specific nutrition programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run registry to help connect seniors and their families with qualified home care providers while improving oversight of these workers. Starting in 2025, the registry will allow users to search for caregivers based on specific skills like language proficiency and certifications, and it will also assist providers with recruitment, training, and benefits. The legislation mandates that agencies hiring home companions require new employees to complete training on recognizing and responding to harassment, abuse, and discrimination by clients. Additionally, the bill directs a state council to develop plans for better recruiting, training, and wage standards for personal care attendants to ensure higher quality care.