Rep. Marty Foncello

Maddy summaryHB 6031 would limit early voting periods to five consecutive days - specifically Wednesday through Sunday - before any election. This bill directly affects voters who use early in-person voting, restricting their access to this option to a fixed five-day window. The key provision amends state law to set this specific early voting timeframe, replacing any existing longer periods. The bill does not change voting methods, eligibility, or election dates, only the duration of early voting. (Bill: HB 6031, Introduced by Rep. Foncello, 2025 Session)

Maddy summaryHB 6022 would amend state election law to eliminate the use of drop boxes for returning absentee ballots. This change directly affects voters who rely on drop boxes to submit their absentee ballots and election officials who manage these drop box locations. The bill removes the existing provision in section 9-140b of the general statutes that authorized drop boxes for ballot returns. It does not specify alternative methods for returning absentee ballots, focusing solely on removing this specific return option.

Maddy summaryHB 6118 establishes a state-administered program offering low-interest loans to homeowners for two specific purposes: replacing outdated septic systems and installing flood mitigation systems (like drainage) on residential properties. The program, to be run by the Department of Housing, directly affects residential property owners in areas where septic system failures or flooding pose risks. Key provisions include providing financial assistance through reduced-interest loans for these specific upgrades, aiming to improve sanitation and property resilience. The bill focuses on concrete infrastructure improvements without specifying eligibility criteria or funding limits.

Maddy summaryHJ 21 proposes a constitutional amendment to change the term structure for state legislators. It would extend the term of office for all General Assembly members (senators and representatives) from two years to four years. The bill also imposes a two-term limit, preventing any member from serving more than two consecutive terms. This directly affects current and future legislators by altering election cycles and service duration. The amendment would require voter approval to take effect, as it modifies the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 5661 would fully fund the state's special education excess cost grant at the Department of Education's most recent estimated amount. This bill directly affects all towns and school districts in the state that receive this grant, which covers extra costs for students with disabilities beyond standard education funding. The key provision amends statute 10-76g to require full funding based on the latest DOE estimates, ensuring consistent support. It does not change eligibility or create new programs, only guarantees existing grant funding levels. The bill aims to prevent shortfalls that could impact special education services statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 5662 requires every public school in the state to conduct crisis response drills (such as active shooter or fire drills) once each month. This bill directly affects all public schools and their staff, mandating regular practice for emergency situations. The key provision amends existing law to replace less frequent drill requirements with a strict monthly schedule. The stated purpose is to ensure schools maintain consistent preparedness for potential crises through regular, repeated practice.

Maddy summaryHB 5670 requires public school officials to notify a student's parent or guardian about any behavior intervention meeting addressing specific concerns, including disruptions, injuries, mental health distress, new gender identity, bullying (as perpetrator or victim), or significant academic changes. The law mandates this notification for all such meetings, ensuring parents are informed about their child's school behavior and academic issues. This directly affects parents, students, and school staff in public schools statewide. The goal is to foster family-school collaboration to support student well-being and educational outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 5647) renames a bridge over U.S. Route 7 in Brookfield, Connecticut, from the "Petty Officer 1st Class Dale Lewis Memorial Bridge" to the "Petty Officer 1st Class Jason D. Lewis Memorial Bridge." The change honors Jason D. Lewis, with no other policy provisions or affected parties beyond the bridge's official designation. It is a purely commemorative act with no substantive legislative impact.

Maddy summaryHB 5679 would require Connecticut municipalities potentially affected by a project proposed to the Connecticut Siting Council to hold a local referendum before the Council makes a final decision on the project. This bill directly affects towns where development projects (like energy infrastructure) could be impacted by the Council's approval. The key mechanism is mandating a municipal vote as a prerequisite for the Siting Council's final decision, amending existing statutes to add this requirement. The bill aims to give affected communities a direct say in projects before they are approved.

Maddy summaryHB 5678 requires the Connecticut General Assembly to approve any charge included in the "Combined Public Benefits Charge" on electric bills before it can be added. This bill directly affects electric distribution companies and their end-use customers by preventing companies from including such charges on bills without legislative consent. The key provision removes any existing unapproved components of this charge and mandates that future charges can only be implemented after a vote by the full General Assembly. This policy change shifts authority from utility regulators to the legislature for this specific billing element.