Rep. Kaitlyn Shake

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits after 14 consecutive days of strike, effective for labor disputes beginning December 14, 2026. Currently, most striking workers are ineligible for benefits during labor disputes. The change applies to workers not involved in the dispute (e.g., non-union employees) or who have not participated in the strike for 14+ days, but excludes situations involving employer lockouts. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, though the eligibility rule starts in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5026 exempts the sale, storage, use, and consumption of aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds (maximum certificated takeoff weight) from state sales and use taxes. This change directly affects owners, buyers, and sellers of small aircraft, such as personal or small business planes. The bill amends existing tax law to create a uniform exemption for this category of aircraft, removing a tax burden previously applied to their purchase and use. It does not apply to larger aircraft or other taxable items.

Maddy summaryHB 5986 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (up to three children) against personal income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families filing taxes, 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 receive the full amount even if their tax liability is zero. This policy provides direct cash support to qualifying households with children, reducing their overall tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 6101 would expand Medicaid coverage to include prescribed fruits and vegetables for Connecticut Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. It requires the state to seek a federal Medicaid waiver to fund these "produce prescriptions" as a treatment option. The bill also aims to remove barriers preventing low-income families from accessing Connecticut's Farmers' Market and WIC nutrition programs. These changes would directly benefit low-income residents managing chronic health conditions through improved access to healthy food.

Maddy summaryHB 5775 allows home health care workers to park on public streets for up to 60 minutes during snow-related parking restrictions or in resident-only zones to access patients' homes more safely. The bill directly affects home health care workers who face challenges parking near patients' residences due to local parking rules. Key provisions permit extended parking in restricted areas during snow emergencies and resident-only zones without penalty. The goal is to improve worker safety by enabling closer proximity to patients' homes during visits.

Maddy summaryHB 6916 bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on most public and private turf (like golf courses, lawns, and municipal properties) and for corn, wheat, and soybean crops starting January 1, 2028. It also prohibits selling or distributing neonicotinoid-treated agricultural seeds for these crops after January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is granted. The bill allows temporary exceptions for environmental emergencies (approved by the Environmental Protection Commissioner) and requires farmers seeking waivers for seed treatments to undergo pest risk assessments, complete integrated pest management training, and prove less harmful alternatives aren't feasible. These provisions directly affect property managers, municipalities, and farmers in Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 6523 prohibits state agencies and municipalities from considering environmental, health, traffic, or economic impact studies during permitting or project approval processes unless the submitting party discloses four specific details: the study author, funding source, study cost, and any conflicts of interest. The bill directly affects developers, project applicants, and government bodies involved in permitting decisions by requiring transparency before studies can be reviewed. Key provisions mandate that all such studies must include full disclosure of authorship, funding, cost, and potential conflicts to be considered in official decisions. This change aims to increase transparency in the permitting process without blocking the use of impact studies.

Maddy summaryHB 6596 prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) within Connecticut and requires the Department of Public Health to create an education program about its prevention. The bill explicitly bans the practice, directly affecting individuals who perform or facilitate FGM, including medical professionals and cultural practitioners. It also allows victims or their representatives to file civil lawsuits seeking remedies for harm caused by FGM. These provisions aim to prevent the practice through legal prohibition, public education, and civil enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 6644 (2025) requires fire departments to provide an additional set of PFAS-free turnout gear to firefighters diagnosed with cancer or with a physician-determined higher cancer risk due to family history or genetic testing. This provision expands existing gear allowances as a reasonable accommodation for firefighters facing elevated cancer exposure risks. The bill directly affects firefighters meeting specific medical criteria, not all personnel. It mandates departments to supply this extra gear without PFAS chemicals, aiming to reduce carcinogen exposure. The law amends Chapter 104 of the general statutes to implement this change.

Maddy summaryHB 6565 requires hospitals and emergency psychiatric providers to share a minor patient's safety plan with their school upon discharge, but only with the minor's parent or legal guardian's consent. This affects minors, schools, and healthcare providers by creating a new communication requirement during medical discharge. The law aims to help schools support student safety by ensuring they are aware of any safety plans developed during medical care. It specifically applies to providers who prescribe such safety plans for minors.