Rep. Steve Stafstrom

Maddy summarySB 400 updates Connecticut Probate Court procedures by redefining which cases count as "children's matters," clarifying appeal timelines, and expanding protections for sensitive family records. The bill allows individuals with federal firearm disabilities stemming from state court orders to petition the Probate Court for relief, while making records related to parental rights, adoption, guardianship, and emancipation confidential to protect privacy. It also standardizes electronic service definitions and adjusts appeal filing deadlines, requiring most appeals to be filed within 30 days of a court order, with exceptions for certain family law cases that have a 45-day window. These changes directly affect families involved in child welfare cases, guardianship proceedings, and individuals seeking to restore firearm rights after mental health adjudications.

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 modifies how the Connecticut Judicial Branch manages building repairs and unclaimed property, while also speeding up medical record sharing across state institutions. For construction projects, it allows the Office of the Chief Court Administrator to approve repairs and alterations under $500,000 without needing permission from the Commissioner of Administrative Services, whereas other state agencies must get approval for projects up to $1 million. The bill also requires state institutions to return unclaimed inmate property to owners for three years before selling it, with proceeds from sales going to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Additionally, it mandates that medical facilities provide electronic copies of patient records within six days for urgent requests or seven business days for non-urgent ones, without needing specific patient consent. These changes affect the Judicial Branch, state correctional facilities, and other medical institutions by streamlining administrative processes and improving access to medical information.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Office of the Correction Ombuds within the Office of Governmental Accountability to oversee health care and other services for incarcerated individuals in the Department of Correction. The Ombuds will have the authority to evaluate service delivery, conduct unannounced facility visits, review nonemergency procedures, and receive complaints from incarcerated people through free telephone calls and email. The office will also publish semiannual reports on its activities and has the power to recommend policy changes while remaining independent from departmental control.

Maddy summarySB 90 revises Connecticut's hate crime laws by expanding protected categories and clarifying offenses. It adds "gender identity or expression" and "protective hairstyles" to the list of protected social categories, while updating definitions of disability, religion, and sex. The bill maintains three offense levels: causing physical injury (class C felony, $3,000+ fine), causing physical contact (class D felony, $1,000+ fine), and damaging property (similar penalties), all with mandatory minimum fines. These changes directly affect anyone committing bias-motivated crimes against individuals or groups based on expanded protected categories like gender identity or hairstyle.

Maddy summarySB 291 reorganizes Connecticut's State Marshal Commission, replacing its current structure with a larger 11-member body effective January 1, 2027. The bill specifies appointments: the Chief Justice appoints one judge, legislative leaders appoint four members, the Governor appoints two (including a chair requiring Senate approval), and the State Marshals Advisory Board appoints two experienced marshals. It establishes new qualifications for members, requiring expertise in areas like civil litigation or state marshal duties, and defines terms (three years for most, one year for advisory board appointees). This bill directly affects the commission members, state marshals (through advisory board appointments), and the oversight process for service of court orders and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 5312 establishes a private right for victims and a civil action for Connecticut's Attorney General to address unlawful sharing of synthetically created intimate images (like deepfakes). Victims can sue in Superior Court for damages, emotional distress, and attorney fees, while the Attorney General can pursue civil penalties up to $50,000 per day against online platforms that fail to remove such content after knowing it violates the law. The law specifically protects minors under 18, even if the image is synthetic, and applies to platforms like social media or apps that host user-generated content. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and complements existing legal remedies without limiting other rights.

Maddy summaryHB 5043 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of "convertible pistols" - semiautomatic pistols that can be rapidly converted into machine guns using common household tools like screwdrivers. It defines these as pistols with a specific "cruciform trigger bar" that can be modified with a "pistol converter," excluding certain shielded designs. Selling or distributing such weapons would be classified as a class D felony, with exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and licensed gun dealers. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 294 requires businesses operating under a name different from their legal name to register a "trade name" with Connecticut's Secretary of State. It affects all individuals and business entities (like corporations or LLCs) using such names, mandating they submit specific details including business address, contact information, and, for organizations, proof of good standing. The bill establishes a 5-year registration period for new trade names, sets renewal procedures (with applications filed through town clerks), and requires existing registrations to expire by December 31, 2029, unless renewed. It also clarifies that business organizations must be active to register and that trade name certificates cancel upon dissolution or revocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies, and appliances, and eliminates a 1% tax on meals sold by grocery stores. It creates new tax credits for homeowners (increasing the existing credit), caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, and renters earning $75,000 or less for primary residence costs. These changes directly lower tax burdens for Connecticut residents, particularly lower- and middle-income households. The bill modifies sales tax rules and expands income tax credits to improve affordability.