Rep. Kathy Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new crime called digital forgery, which applies to anyone who creates and shares fake images or audio recordings of people with the intent to cause financial harm. The law defines a digitally forged likeness as content that looks or sounds real but was created using computer systems without the person's consent. It makes this a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether the act was part of a larger scheme, but it exempts law enforcement officers acting in their official duties. The bill also protects online platforms from liability unless they knew the content was being created or shared illegally.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut's distracted driving laws by clarifying definitions of mobile phone use and restricting hand-held phone usage while driving. It directly affects all motor vehicle operators by prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones to make calls or operate mobile electronic devices like text messaging apps while operating a vehicle on highways. Key provisions establish a rebuttable presumption that holding a phone to or near the ear constitutes call engagement, while allowing exceptions for emergency communications, official duties of first responders and military personnel, and hands-free phone use. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and does not authorize confiscation of phones unless other laws permit it.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut law to automatically suspend driver's licenses for individuals who repeatedly fail to stop for school buses with flashing red lights. It applies to all licensed drivers, youth instruction permit holders under 18, and unlicensed individuals attempting to operate vehicles. The law establishes specific suspension periods ranging from 30 days to five years depending on the type of violation and whether it is a first or subsequent offense. The commissioner of motor vehicles must enforce these suspensions without a hearing once the required number of violations is documented.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the federal Americans with Disabilities Act into Connecticut state law by incorporating the act and its regulations into the state's general statutes, ensuring they apply with the same force as if fully written into state law. It allows individuals who believe they have been discriminated against under the ADA to file complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities instead of pursuing federal complaints, provided state law does not offer more stringent protections. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and applies to employment, state and local government services, and public accommodations covered by the federal act.

Maddy summaryHB 5259 requires Connecticut school districts to provide educational services to homeless children and youth in alignment with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.). It prohibits school districts from denying enrollment based on residency and guarantees homeless students a hearing if denied accommodations. The bill also ensures unaccompanied homeless youth (those without a parent or guardian) can access their educational and medical records held by the school. These changes directly affect homeless students, their guardians, and school districts across Connecticut.

Maddy summarySB 282 requires Connecticut towns and cities to establish veteran oversight committees by January 2027 to monitor the care of veterans' graves from pre-1776 conflicts through modern U.S. military service. It mandates electronic complaint systems for both public cemeteries (managed by towns) and private cemeteries (e.g., nonprofit associations), with towns posting complaint addresses online. The bill also creates a grant program through the Department of Consumer Protection, providing funds to municipalities for grave maintenance costs starting October 2026. These provisions directly affect local governments, cemetery operators, and the ongoing upkeep of veterans' graves across Connecticut.

Maddy summarySB 318 requires Connecticut's State Veterinarian to identify and maintain a 24/7 contact person for domestic violence victims needing temporary or permanent placement of companion animals. This contact person must provide real-time information about animal rescue organizations, dog pounds, and shelters to victims, with updates shared to domestic violence groups, police, and animal facilities. The bill also clarifies the State Veterinarian's authority to issue disease prevention orders for animals and establishes a working group by July 2026 to study funding for Connecticut's animal population control program. The working group includes representatives from animal welfare groups, veterinary associations, and animal control officers. This legislation directly affects domestic violence victims and animal care providers by improving access to pet placement resources during crises.

Maddy summarySB 367 establishes a working group to study roadside safety for wreckers and towing professionals. The group, including state safety committee leaders, emergency services and transportation commissioners, and a towing industry representative, will evaluate issues like vehicle lighting standards and worker protection methods. It must submit findings and recommendations to the relevant committee by January 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future safety policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Connecticut Comptroller to study the feasibility and cost of creating a stipend program for Civil Air Patrol members who miss work to respond to state or federal emergencies, natural disasters, or required training. The study would focus on members who are absent from their jobs to assist with Governor-declared emergencies, requests from federal agencies like the Air Force or Coast Guard, or participation in mandatory emergency services training. The Comptroller must submit a report on the study's findings to the relevant legislative committee by January 1, 2027. Currently, the bill does not establish the stipend program itself but rather requires an analysis to determine if such a program is practical and affordable to implement.

Maddy summaryHB 5333 updates Connecticut's fishing regulations to protect marine species and clarify enforcement. It increases fines for illegally catching striped bass (up to $500 for repeat offenses), bans using horseshoe crabs or their eggs as bait, and prohibits hand-harvesting horseshoe crabs except for scientific permits. The bill also allows restaurants to sell lobsters under 6.25 inches if caught in federal areas permitting such harvest, requires catch-and-release for striped bass from December to April, and bans bait fishing in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam during that period. These changes directly affect commercial and recreational fishermen, restaurants, and conservation efforts.