Rep. Mitch Bolinsky

Maddy summaryHB 6543 would cap annual property tax increases for senior citizens (65+) and individuals with fixed incomes at the same percentage as the most recent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This means property tax bills for these residents would not rise faster than the annual Social Security benefit increase. The bill directly affects homeowners in these categories by limiting future tax hikes to the Social Security COLA rate, not higher. It does not reduce current tax rates but restricts how much taxes can increase each year. The policy change applies to future tax assessments under amended Title 12 of the general statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 6668 requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and accountability of community group homes operated by the Department of Correction. This bill directly affects Correction Department-run group homes, which house individuals transitioning from incarceration. The key mechanism mandates a formal assessment by the Emergency Services Department to identify improvements in these facilities' operations. The bill focuses solely on establishing this evaluation process, with no additional policy changes or funding provisions specified.

Maddy summaryHB 6616 would amend Connecticut law to officially classify 9-1-1 dispatchers (telecommunicators) as first responders under the same statutory category as police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. This change would directly affect 9-1-1 dispatchers by granting them the same legal classification as traditional first responders. The bill’s key mechanism is amending Section 28-30 of the general statutes to include telecommunicators in the definition of "first responders." The bill focuses solely on statutory classification, not on new benefits or duties.

Maddy summaryHB 6358 allows police to stop and search vehicles based on the smell of cannabis or burnt cannabis, and to stop a vehicle if a driver or passenger is seen using cannabis products. It directly affects drivers and passengers who consume cannabis in vehicles, as officers can now initiate stops for these reasons. The bill amends existing statutes to change how law enforcement handles cannabis-related vehicle stops, focusing on preventing impairment-related crashes. The stated purpose is to reduce deaths and injuries caused by impaired driving.

Maddy summaryHB 5797 appropriates an unspecified sum from the General Fund to the Office of Policy and Management for the Governor's Horse Guards during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill directly affects the Governor's Horse Guards, a ceremonial unit within the state government, by providing dedicated funding for its operations. This is a procedural appropriation bill with no new policy provisions or broad impacts; it solely allocates existing funds to maintain an existing ceremonial honor guard. The bill’s purpose is explicitly stated as "to fully fund" this unit, with no additional mechanisms or changes to laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5052 increases the maximum assessed value of farm machinery that qualifies for property tax exemption under state law. This change directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses by expanding the range of machinery eligible for tax relief. The bill amends Section 12-91 of the general statutes to raise the current value threshold, allowing more equipment to be excluded from local property tax assessments. It does not alter other tax rules or create new administrative requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 6005 would change how the state allocates its electoral college votes for president and vice president. Instead of awarding all votes to the candidate who wins the statewide popular vote (the current "winner-takes-all" system), it would divide the votes proportionally based on each candidate's share of the total statewide vote. This directly affects how the state's presidential electors are selected and counted in the Electoral College. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bolinsky, is pending review by the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

Maddy summarySB 874 requires Connecticut's Department of Education to compile and maintain a list of approved reading assessments for school districts. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, this list will be used to identify kindergarten through third-grade students who are below reading proficiency. All assessments on the list must include frequent screening and progress monitoring for early reading development. The bill transfers this responsibility from the previously designated Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success to the Department of Education.

Maddy summarySB 873 establishes an education ombudsman position within Connecticut's state government to serve as a neutral, independent resource for resolving education-related concerns. The bill creates this office under Title 10 of Connecticut's general statutes, directly affecting students, families, and school districts seeking assistance with educational issues. It does not alter existing education policies but provides a formal channel for addressing complaints and facilitating resolution. This procedural bill focuses solely on creating the ombudsman role, with no substantive policy changes detailed.

Maddy summaryHB 5813 appropriates funds from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to provide a grant-in-aid to Survivors of Homicide, Inc. This funding supports the organization's mental health and supportive counseling services for families who have lost loved ones to homicide. The bill specifically aims to maintain these critical services by preventing a potential funding gap. It directly affects homicide survivors' families by ensuring continued access to trauma support and mental health resources through this designated nonprofit.