Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits landlords from denying rental applications based solely on credit history when the applicant is a victim of domestic violence, as defined by state law. Landlords may charge a capped fee (up to $50 plus annual inflation adjustment) for tenant screening reports but must provide applicants with a copy of the report or instructions to obtain it, along with a receipt. To qualify for the protection, applicants can submit a counselor letter, police report, or valid court order related to domestic violence. Violating this rule requires landlords to reimburse applicants for fees paid and cover attorney costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5326 increases reimbursement rates paid to providers delivering early intervention services under Connecticut's Birth-to-Three Program. The bill replaces existing rate-setting language with a requirement to establish state-wide rates based on phase two of a 2023 rate study (Public Act 23-186), effective July 1, 2026. This directly affects service providers (such as therapists and clinics) who work with infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays. The key change is raising payment rates to better align with the study's findings, without altering eligibility for families. The bill does not change program eligibility or service requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5156 establishes a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to fund climate adaptation projects by holding fossil fuel entities accountable for historical emissions. It targets fossil fuel companies (defined as entities extracting or refining fossil fuels during 1995-2024 that caused over 1 billion metric tons of emissions) to pay into a fund, rather than using taxpayer money. The fund finances specific climate adaptation projects, including coastal wetland restoration, stormwater system upgrades, urban heat mitigation, and protecting food systems from climate impacts, with priority for environmental justice communities. Projects must align with "nature-based solutions" like green infrastructure and energy-efficient retrofits for public buildings. The program is administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, starting October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Academic Research Funding Commission within the Executive Department to distribute research grants to faculty at Connecticut colleges and universities. The commission will include 13 members appointed by various state officials, including university leaders, legislative leaders, and industry representatives, with co-chairs from the vice presidents of research at UConn and Yale. Its primary function is to award grants that help offset research funding reductions caused by cuts from federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. The commission will operate without compensation for its members, who will receive expense reimbursements, and will establish its own procedures through bylaws.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of Connecticut to join the Association of Research Universities by mandating the hiring of at least ten top-tier research faculty members by June 2029. The legislation requires the university to submit annual progress reports to the state legislature and allocates $35 million in state funding for faculty salaries and benefits. Additionally, it grants the State Bond Commission authority to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to finance infrastructure improvements like laboratory space and equipment needed to support the new faculty. These provisions aim to enhance the university's research capabilities and competitive standing while establishing accountability through regular reporting requirements.

Maddy summarySB 278 amends Connecticut's protective order laws to better address interpersonal violence involving military personnel. It requires applicants to disclose if the respondent (the person against whom the order is sought) holds a firearm permit or possesses firearms, which helps courts assess immediate risks. If firearms are involved, courts must schedule a hearing within seven days for emergency orders (instead of 14 days) and must consider a report including military protective orders, criminal history, and risk assessments. This applies directly to Connecticut residents seeking protection from military members, ensuring their safety concerns are addressed with timely, evidence-based court decisions.

Maddy summarySB 8 creates a new Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program administered by Connecticut's Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority. It provides state-funded loans to graduate students enrolled in eligible programs (requiring a bachelor's degree) starting July 1, 2026, with funding secured through a $10 million state bond issue. The program uses a dedicated account to issue loans for graduate education, with repayment terms established by the loan authority. This directly affects Connecticut graduate students seeking financial support for advanced degree programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5144 appropriates funds to cover the cost difference between federal reimbursement rates for reduced-price school meals and full-price meals. It directly affects public school districts participating in federal meal programs by allowing them to provide free breakfasts to all students and free lunches to students already eligible for reduced-price meals. The bill’s key mechanism is reimbursing districts for the gap between what the federal government pays and the actual cost of serving these meals. This policy change ensures schools can maintain these meal programs without charging eligible students, as specified in the bill’s purpose statement.

Maddy summaryHB 5134 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child for families with up to three children. It directly affects low-to-moderate income households, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families may receive the full credit amount even if it exceeds their income tax liability. This policy change reduces tax burden for qualifying families with children, using the state’s personal income tax system to provide direct financial support.

Maddy summarySB 88 requires health insurance policies covering chemotherapy to also cover scalp cooling systems, which prevent hair loss during cancer treatment. It applies to individual and group health insurance plans issued in the state on or after January 1, 2027, directly affecting cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and insurers. The bill mandates that coverage for scalp cooling must be at least as comprehensive as Medicare’s coverage, prohibiting stricter copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance than for other covered benefits. Insurers may still require prior authorization for scalp cooling, but only under the same conditions applied to other covered treatments.