Rep. Mary Welander

Primary SB 1

Signed into law · Connecticut Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT CONCERNING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks to increase funding for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The additional resources are intended to improve early-stage care for individuals experiencing psychotic illnesses. By directing money to this specific department, the legislation aims to enhance the availability of comprehensive treatment services for these patients.

Signed into law May 21, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 5001

Signed into law · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT SUPPORTING CONNECTICUT SENIORS AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF NURSING AND HOME-BASED CARE.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run registry to help connect seniors and their families with qualified home care providers while improving oversight of these workers. Starting in 2025, the registry will allow users to search for caregivers based on specific skills like language proficiency and certifications, and it will also assist providers with recruitment, training, and benefits. The legislation mandates that agencies hiring home companions require new employees to complete training on recognizing and responding to harassment, abuse, and discrimination by clients. Additionally, the bill directs a state council to develop plans for better recruiting, training, and wage standards for personal care attendants to ensure higher quality care.

Signed into law May 21, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 5491

Signed into law · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS WHO HAVE A SERVICE-CONNECTED PERMANENT AND TOTAL DISABILITY RATING.

Maddy summaryHB 5491 establishes a new property tax exemption for Connecticut veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill allows these veterans to exempt their primary residence from taxation, or if they lack a home, one motor vehicle garaged in the state. To qualify, veterans must submit proof of their disability rating to their local town assessor, with retroactive refunds available for up to three years if they missed the initial filing deadline. Additionally, the act modifies an existing lower-level disability exemption, increasing the property value threshold for veterans with non-permanent-and-total disabilities and adjusting amounts based on age and disability severity.

Signed into law May 21, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 5404

Signed into law · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT CONCERNING MILITARY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE AND THE DRIVER'S LICENSE ENDORSEMENT TO OPERATE FIRE APPARATUS.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans and active-duty military personnel with prior fire department experience to obtain a Connecticut driver's license endorsement for operating fire apparatus without taking a standard skills test. Instead of demonstrating driving skills in a vehicle, these individuals can receive the endorsement by submitting a written statement from their commanding officer that verifies their military service and training. The law applies to those who served in a military fire department and currently hold a license to operate fire apparatus, or those who served within two years of their discharge. Effective October 1, 2024, this provision waives the usual testing requirement for these service members while maintaining the need for official certification of their qualifications.

Signed into law May 14, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 222

Signed into law · Connecticut Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE STATUTES.

Signed into law May 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary HB 5312

Passed · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT MAKING CERTAIN TERMS IN ELECTRONIC BOOK AND DIGITAL AUDIOBOOK LICENSE AGREEMENTS OR CONTRACTS UNENFORCEABLE.

Passed Apr 30, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 5318

Passed · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT REQUIRING THE LICENSURE OF LACTATION CONSULTANTS.

Passed Apr 29, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 2

Passed · Connecticut Senate · Lead sponsor

AN ACT CONCERNING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Passed Apr 25, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 5413

Passed · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ILLEGAL USE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES AND STREET TAKEOVERS.

Passed Apr 19, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary HB 5321

In committee · Connecticut House · Lead sponsor

AN ACT REQUIRING NEWBORN SCREENING FOR DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY.

In committee Apr 8, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track