Rep. Mitch Bolinsky

Maddy summaryHB 5029 increases Medicaid provider rates based on phase one of a required rate study (public act 23-186) to ensure rates are competitive with neighboring states and improve access to quality healthcare. It directly affects healthcare providers who treat Medicaid patients, such as hospitals and clinics. The bill mandates rate adjustments to align with regional market standards, aiming to prevent provider shortages and maintain service availability. This policy change focuses on stabilizing provider participation in Medicaid by addressing current rate disparities.

Maddy summaryHB 5009 increases Connecticut's property tax credit for primary residences and motor vehicles by raising the maximum credit from $300 to $1,000 annually. It expands eligibility by increasing the income thresholds taxpayers must meet to qualify for the credit, as outlined in Section 12-704c of state law. This bill directly affects Connecticut homeowners and vehicle owners who pay property tax on their primary residence or vehicle and meet the updated income requirements. The key change simplifies access to the credit for more residents by lowering the income barrier while significantly boosting the maximum benefit amount.

Maddy summaryHB 5005 increases the sales price threshold for motor vehicles subject to a 7.75% sales and use tax rate from $75,000 to "more than $75,000." This means vehicles priced at $75,000 or below will now pay the standard tax rate, while those exceeding $75,000 will be taxed at the higher rate. The bill directly affects high-end vehicle buyers and dealers selling vehicles above this new threshold. It makes no changes to the tax rate itself but adjusts which vehicles qualify for the higher rate.

Maddy summaryHB 5028 removes the "Combined Public Benefits Charge" from electricity bills for residential and business customers of electric distribution companies. This bill directly affects all end-use electricity customers in the state by eliminating this specific fee from their monthly bills. The key mechanism shifts the funding source for these public benefits programs from customer bills to the state General Fund. The bill does not change existing public benefits programs but changes how their costs are paid. This is a direct billing change with no impact on program eligibility or service levels.

Maddy summaryHB 5008 establishes a $2,080 tax credit per full-time equivalent employee for small businesses meeting the U.S. Small Business Administration's definition (typically businesses with fewer than 500 employees). This credit would directly reduce the state tax liability for qualifying small businesses, providing a concrete financial incentive tied to employee count. The bill amends state tax law to implement this credit, which applies to businesses that meet federal SBA criteria. This policy change specifically targets small business employment costs without altering broader tax structures.

Maddy summaryHB 5574 requires state agencies to submit specific reports on progress toward implementing digitization recommendations from the 2021 CREATES project report, as well as on overtime usage and fingerprinting procedures. By February 1, 2026, the Office of Policy and Management must report on digitization efforts across seven state programs (including tax compliance, grants portals, and electronic health records), detailing staffing, funding, and savings. It also mandates annual reports on agency overtime practices and a one-time report from the Department of Emergency Services on fingerprinting for criminal checks, including processing times and reasons. The bill affects all state agencies by requiring them to document and share these operational details to the Government Oversight Committee. No new costs are expected, as agencies already have resources to fulfill these reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5369 allows state agencies to require employees to work on-site for up to 60% of their scheduled hours. It directly affects state agency employees by establishing a policy that mandates in-person work for a portion of their time. The bill amends state law to give agency commissioners the authority to set this requirement, with no specific exceptions mentioned. The stated purpose is to enable agencies to implement a work policy requiring in-person attendance.

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 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.