Rep. Bill Heffernan

Maddy summarySB 5 establishes the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program to provide need-based and merit-based financial aid for Connecticut residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree at public or independent colleges in the state. The program allocates funds across three grant types: a need/merit grant (20-30% of funds or $10 million, whichever is greater), a need-based grant (up to 80% of funds), and a minimum $100,000 Charter Oak grant. Eligibility is determined using the student aid index (replacing family contribution calculations) and academic achievement, with awards distributed via a sliding scale based on financial need and available funding. Recipients of the need/merit grant cannot also receive a need-based grant, ensuring distinct funding pathways for students with varying financial and academic profiles.

Maddy summarySB 2 regulates artificial intelligence systems used in major life decisions like hiring, loans, housing, and healthcare access. It defines "high-risk AI" as systems making "consequential decisions" (such as employment, credit, or housing) and requires developers and deployers to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The law specifically excludes video games, internal business tools, research activities, and non-discriminatory pattern analysis from regulation. It applies to companies operating within the state using such AI systems for covered decisions.

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill updates Connecticut's pollution cleanup rules to support a new "released-based" cleanup program. It requires property owners to report and clean up pollution releases (like spills or leaks) after new regulations take effect, and clarifies when property ownership changes (such as sales, foreclosures, or family transfers) trigger cleanup responsibilities. It directly affects businesses and property owners who create pollution, ensuring they meet cleanup standards without unnecessary liability for routine transfers. The bill is technical in nature, focusing on aligning existing statutes with the new program framework.

Maddy summaryHB 7009 establishes a Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement for high school diplomas, requiring students to complete two years of social studies (including a U.S. government or civics course), participate in a civic engagement project, and demonstrate civics proficiency through assessments. It mandates expanded transparency in school data tracking, requiring public schools to collect and report detailed information about multilingual learners (including home language and bilingual program participation) starting in 2026. The bill also creates a parent bill of rights for multilingual learners to protect their educational rights and requires school districts to make Islamic and Arab studies curriculum materials available. These provisions directly affect Connecticut public schools, students, and families, focusing on civic education standards, data transparency, and equitable resource access.

Maddy summarySB 1500 requires individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses against minors or nonviolent offenses (released after October 1, 1998) to verify their address annually through mailed forms and update changes within five business days. It mandates these registrants to maintain registration for ten years (or for life if they have prior convictions), with specific requirements to report name changes, new addresses, employment, or educational status. The bill repeals prior registration rules and adds verification steps to ensure accuracy, while allowing courts to exempt some offenders if public safety isn't at risk. Violating address reporting requirements can result in a class D felony charge.

Maddy summaryHB 7175 creates a 20% tax credit for eligible farmers who purchase or build qualifying farm machinery, equipment, and buildings after January 1, 2026. To qualify, farmers must earn at least two-thirds of their total income from farming above $30,000, and the property must be used for farming in the state for at least five years. The credit applies to machinery and equipment bought after 2026, as well as qualifying buildings constructed or placed in service after that date, provided they are not leased or acquired from related parties. Farmers, or owners of pass-through entities like S corporations, can claim the credit against state income tax, with unused portions refunded by the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7273 establishes a working group to study how to fund a universal free school meals program for all public school students. The group will examine required funding amounts, potential sources like dedicated taxes, program rules, and other relevant factors. The working group, made up of legislative committee chairs, school representatives, and nutrition experts, must submit its report to the legislature by January 1, 2026, with no immediate cost to the state or municipalities.

Maddy summaryHB 7038 requires the Insurance Commissioner, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Agriculture, to conduct a feasibility study on creating a captive insurance company or using parametric insurance to provide financial assistance to farmers in the state affected by severe weather. The study must evaluate both options and report findings to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This bill does not create new insurance programs but only mandates an analysis to determine if such programs could be implemented. It directly affects farmers facing weather-related losses and focuses solely on assessing potential solutions through a formal study.

Maddy summaryHB 7117 modifies how health insurance fees are allocated in Connecticut. It requires domestic insurers and health care centers providing specific health insurance types to pay an annual public health fee, but gradually shifts more of this fee from the Insurance Fund to the General Fund - reducing the Insurance Fund portion by one-fifth each year until 2029, when all funds go to the General Fund. The bill also mandates annual reporting of enrolled lives (excluding Medicare/Medicaid) by insurers, with penalties for late filings ($100/day) or reporting discrepancies ($15,000 max civil penalty). These changes directly affect health insurance providers operating in Connecticut and redirect funds to support the Office of Health Strategy over a five-year period.

Maddy summarySB 1299 updates Connecticut's Medicaid dental coverage by establishing an annual $1,000 limit for nonemergency adult dental services, excluding preventive care (like cleanings and exams) and medically necessary treatments such as dentures. It requires prior authorization for most nonemergency services, defines "emergency" as conditions causing severe pain or health risks requiring immediate care, and mandates specific annual coverage: one dental exam, two cleanings, and periodontal therapy for "healthy adults" (ages 21+ with no dental disease affecting overall health). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting Medicaid recipients and dental providers by restructuring benefit limits and service requirements.