Rep. Mitch Bolinsky

Maddy summaryHB 5520 would exempt local and regional school boards of education from the state's requirement that employers provide paid sick leave to employees. The bill amends chapter 557 of the general statutes to remove this obligation specifically for school boards, meaning they would no longer need to offer paid sick leave to their staff. This change would directly affect school employees working under these boards, as they would no longer be guaranteed paid sick leave under this state mandate. The exemption applies only to school boards and does not alter paid sick leave requirements for other employers or educational settings.

Maddy summaryHB 5332 reduces annual filing fees for specific business types from $80 to $20 when submitting reports to the Secretary of the State. It directly affects limited partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) that must file annual reports. The bill amends three sections of state law (34-38n, 34-243u, and 34-413) to implement this fee reduction. This change lowers costs for these businesses without altering their reporting requirements or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 5334 creates a new Elder Justice Division within the Office of the Chief State's Attorney. The division will specifically investigate and prosecute criminal cases involving elderly individuals. This bill directly affects elderly victims of crime by establishing a dedicated unit to handle their cases within the state's legal system. The key mechanism is mandating the Chief State's Attorney to form this specialized division under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 5320 eliminates the highway use tax by amending section 12-493a of the general statutes. This change directly affects drivers and vehicle owners who previously paid this tax on highway use. The key mechanism is a straightforward statutory removal of the tax provision, without adding new requirements or exceptions. The bill does not alter other taxes or create new administrative processes.

Maddy summaryHB 5333 adopts the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act (URPTODA) for Connecticut. This bill allows property owners to name beneficiaries who will automatically inherit their real estate upon death, bypassing probate court. It directly affects property owners who choose to use this transfer method for their homes or land. The act provides a standardized legal process for these transfers across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5305 would limit local property tax increases for seniors (65+) and people with certain disabilities to no more than the previous year's Social Security benefit increase. This directly affects fixed-income residents who pay local property taxes, preventing tax hikes that could outpace their income growth. The key provision requires municipalities to cap annual property tax increases for these groups based on actual Social Security adjustments from the prior year. The bill aims to protect vulnerable residents from disproportionate tax burdens while maintaining local revenue stability.

Maddy summaryHB 5306 requires all long-term care facilities in Connecticut to conduct background checks on every prospective employee and volunteer before they can begin work or volunteering, regardless of whether they will have direct contact with residents. This applies directly to long-term care facilities, their hiring staff, and all individuals seeking employment or volunteer roles within these settings. The key provision mandates background checks at the pre-hire or pre-volunteer stage, eliminating exceptions for roles without direct patient access. The bill's stated purpose is to prevent elder abuse by ensuring all individuals interacting with vulnerable residents undergo screening.

Maddy summaryHB 5316 allows local butcher shops to process meat owned by farmers and already inspected by the USDA. This directly affects farmers who struggle to get their livestock processed and small butcher shops seeking to expand services. The bill amends state law to permit butchers to handle this specific type of meat without requiring additional inspections. Its stated purpose is to reduce livestock processing bottlenecks in the state. The change creates a clearer pathway for farmers to access local processing while expanding butcher shop capabilities.

Maddy summaryHB 5329 (2025) requires insurance companies to provide supplemental liability coverage - covering general and auto liability - above and beyond an existing policy for elected public officials. This bill directly affects mayors, council members, state representatives, and other elected officials who serve in public office. The key provision mandates that insurers must offer this extra coverage as a standard requirement, not an optional add-on. If passed, it would ensure elected officials have broader protection for potential liability claims arising from their official duties.

Maddy summaryHB 5310 amends state law to require adequate funding support for in-district special education placements in public schools. It ensures school districts receiving state "excess cost grants" (funding for higher special education costs) can meet all state mandates and follow best practices. The bill directly affects public school districts serving students with disabilities, particularly those relying on state funding to cover special education expenses. Its key mechanism is updating statutory requirements to guarantee districts have sufficient resources to maintain local special education programs without diverting funds from core mandates.