Rep. M.J. Shannon

Maddy summaryHB 5419 would increase Connecticut's earned income tax credit to 41.5% of the federal credit and expand eligibility to include households earning under 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. This change would directly benefit low-income working families and individuals who currently earn too much to qualify under the existing threshold. The bill modifies existing law to both raise the credit percentage and lower the income limit for claiming the state tax credit. It does not alter the federal credit amount or change other eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5455 prohibits restaurants and food service establishments from selling any food prepared using frying oils containing artificial trans fats. This directly affects businesses that use such oils for frying foods like French fries or fried chicken. The bill's key provision bans the sale of these foods, requiring establishments to switch to trans fat-free frying oils. It focuses on a specific, measurable change in food preparation practices without addressing broader health impacts or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJ 7) proposes amending the state constitution to establish a fundamental right for all residents to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these environmental rights equitably for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or income, and to act as a trustee for natural resources like water, air, and land for current and future generations. The amendment also prohibits diverting funds meant for environmental protection and states that these rights are as strong as other basic rights, allowing residents to directly enforce them in court. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this would create a new constitutional standard for environmental protection in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 5456 would amend state laws to permit the use of psilocybin (a compound found in certain mushrooms) for medical and therapeutic treatments. It specifically allows healthcare providers to offer psilocybin-based care for physical, mental, or behavioral health conditions under a legal framework. This bill would directly affect patients seeking alternative therapies and healthcare professionals providing such treatments. The policy change establishes a regulated pathway for psilocybin use in clinical settings, separate from recreational or non-medical applications.

Maddy summaryHB 5264 (2025) provides state funding to support natural coastal infrastructure like dunes and wetlands, while requiring communities to develop planning strategies to reduce flooding risks. It directly affects coastal property owners and communities in vulnerable areas facing climate-driven sea-level rise and storm damage. Key provisions include allocating resources for sustainable projects that absorb floodwaters and mandating local planning efforts to protect homes and businesses. The bill aims to reduce climate-related damage to coastal properties through nature-based solutions and coordinated community action.

Maddy summaryHB 5292 simplifies local permitting for natural infrastructure projects like dune restoration and living shorelines, while encouraging municipalities to adopt sustainable zoning practices to reduce flood risks. It requires local governments to streamline approval processes for these projects and offers technical assistance to help communities integrate resiliency measures into their planning. The bill directly affects cities and towns by changing how they handle zoning and infrastructure permits, with no new taxes or mandates. Its key mechanisms are process simplification, incentives for sustainable zoning adoption, and state-provided technical support. The goal is to promote natural flood mitigation without altering existing land-use authority.

Maddy summaryHB 5247 automatically adjusts annual state funding for nonprofit organizations to match changes in the consumer price index (CPI) or a similar inflation metric. This directly affects nonprofits that receive state appropriations, ensuring their funding keeps pace with rising costs without requiring separate annual legislative action. The key provision replaces manual annual budget adjustments with an automatic formula tied to inflation data. This policy change eliminates the need for lawmakers to vote on yearly funding increases for these organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 5266 creates tax credits and wage subsidies for small and medium-sized businesses that hire a significant portion of their workforce from the local community and participate in training programs. It directly affects qualifying local businesses by reducing their tax burden and providing wage support when they meet the local hiring criteria. The bill's key mechanism is linking financial incentives to specific local hiring outcomes and workforce training participation. This policy change aims to strengthen local job creation without specifying exact hiring percentages or program details. The bill is currently under review by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

Maddy summarySB 566, introduced by Senator Anwar, aims to amend Connecticut's general statutes to improve support, access, and protections for patients with rare diseases. The bill focuses on enhancing existing legal frameworks rather than creating new programs, though specific mechanisms are not detailed in the provided text. It directly affects individuals diagnosed with rare diseases by seeking to strengthen their healthcare access and legal safeguards. The bill has been referred to the Public Health Committee for further review. (Note: The bill text provided does not specify concrete policy changes or mechanisms beyond the stated purpose.)

Maddy summarySB 523 prohibits public and school libraries from removing or censoring books based on an author's background, views, or if a book is deemed offensive. It requires libraries to establish clear, written policies for selecting and removing materials, including how to handle community concerns. The bill provides librarians and staff with legal immunity from lawsuits for good-faith actions under the law and allows them to sue individuals who harass them for following these policies. This directly affects librarians, library boards, and community members seeking to challenge book selections in public or school libraries.