Rep. Mitch Bolinsky

Maddy summarySB 87 (2025) requires Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to improve public outreach about opportunities to participate in electricity rate reviews. The bill mandates PURA to actively publicize ways for residents to submit comments or attend hearings during utility rate cases. This affects anyone who uses electricity in Connecticut by making it easier to engage in the process of reviewing utility rate changes. The key change is a procedural requirement for PURA to enhance communication about public participation, not a change to actual electricity rates.

Maddy summarySB 95 removes the "Combined Public Benefits Charge" from electricity bills for residential and commercial customers of electric distribution companies in Connecticut. This bill directly affects end-use electricity consumers by eliminating a specific line item on their monthly bills. The key mechanism is an amendment to state statutes that deletes this charge from billing structures. The change applies uniformly to all electric distribution companies serving end-use customers, with no additional provisions or exemptions described in the bill text.

Maddy summarySB 94 would separate the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), creating an independent agency for utility regulation. This change moves PURA out of DEEP's administrative structure, so it operates without direct oversight from the energy and environmental department. The bill directly affects how public utilities - such as electricity, gas, and water providers - are regulated in the state. The goal is to establish PURA as a distinct entity focused solely on utility oversight.

Maddy summarySB 14 requires assisted living facilities to hold a public hearing before raising resident rates by more than 10%. This directly affects facilities and their residents, ensuring communities can review significant cost changes. The key provision mandates these hearings for any rate increase exceeding the 10% threshold. The goal is to prevent sudden, unaffordable cost hikes for seniors relying on these care services.

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 requires the Commissioner of Correction to create a system for screening incarcerated individuals for dyslexia. Starting July 1, 2024, the Department of Correction must screen every person entering a correctional facility who has not been screened before, completing the process within 60 days of their intake. The department must also implement procedures to screen all currently incarcerated individuals who have not yet been tested by that same deadline. Additionally, the commissioner must report annually to the General Assembly on the department's progress in meeting these screening requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5198 updates Connecticut's telehealth laws to extend the current regulatory framework until June 30, 2027. The bill requires telehealth providers to verify patient insurance coverage, maintain access to medical history, and obtain informed consent before delivering remote care. It also restricts the prescribing of certain controlled substances via telehealth and mandates that providers share telehealth records with a patient's primary care doctor if the patient agrees. These rules apply to all healthcare professionals offering remote services to patients within the state during the specified period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new physical safety standards for nursing homes, requiring facilities to arrange beds with at least three feet of clearance to prevent entrapment and hazards, while also phasing in a rule that limits resident rooms to a maximum of two beds. The legislation creates a voluntary "Centers of Excellence" program designed to recognize and incentivize nursing homes that adopt evidence-based, person-centered care practices through a process involving state officials and various stakeholders. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of an online consumer report card to provide families with comprehensive information about nursing home quality and industry best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Commissioner of Social Services to cover biomarker testing for Medicaid recipients to help diagnose, treat, and monitor various diseases. The law defines biomarker testing as the analysis of a patient's biological samples to identify specific indicators related to their health condition. Coverage will be approved if there is scientific evidence supporting the test, such as FDA approval, Medicare coverage, or recommendations from independent medical guidelines. Additionally, the bill establishes an online system allowing patients and providers to request exceptions to prior authorization rules for these tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires individuals who intentionally injure or kill police animals or dogs in volunteer search and rescue teams to pay financial restitution. The law mandates that these payments cover veterinary costs for injuries and the expenses of purchasing and training a replacement animal if the original one is unable to work. Anyone found guilty of harming these working dogs faces felony charges, potential fines or imprisonment, and the obligation to reimburse the owning unit or individual. The financial penalties are designed to ensure that the costs of replacing injured or killed service animals are borne by the person responsible for the harm.