Rep. Steve Stafstrom

Maddy summarySB 296 updates Connecticut’s consumer protection laws by strengthening the Commissioner of Consumer Protection’s authority to investigate alleged violations of the Unfair Trade Practices Act. It creates new "investigative demands" requiring businesses to submit written reports under oath about potential unlawful practices (including in sports wagering), with responses withheld from public disclosure during investigations. The bill also expands the Commissioner’s powers to conduct on-site inspections, subpoena records, and enforce compliance through civil penalties or restitution orders. These changes directly affect businesses operating in Connecticut, particularly those in regulated sectors like sports wagering, by clarifying enforcement procedures under the Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands absentee voting eligibility in Connecticut to allow any eligible voter who will not appear at their polling place on election day to vote by absentee ballot, removing previous restrictions based on specific reasons like military service, illness, or religious observance. It also strengthens accountability by requiring individuals who distribute five or more absentee ballot applications to register with municipal clerks and maintain records of recipients, while prohibiting candidates and political committees from mailing unsolicited absentee ballot applications without clear eligibility warnings. Additionally, the bill mandates that absentee ballot envelopes include a sworn statement confirming the voter will not appear at their polling place, and requires the Secretary of the State to post notices online clarifying that applications are for personal or immediate family use only. These changes aim to increase voting access while implementing safeguards to prevent misuse of the absentee voting system.

Maddy summarySB 89 requires all state and local correctional facilities (including jails, prisons, and juvenile detention centers) to adopt and follow the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act standards effective January 1, 2024, directly affecting incarcerated individuals and staff. Key provisions include a strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, mandatory staff and contractor training, enhanced protections for vulnerable detainees, standardized reporting protocols for incidents, and access to medical/mental health services for victims. Facilities must annually certify compliance to the state, and the Corrections Commissioner must report yearly on training, incident data, and investigation outcomes starting January 2027. The bill mandates specific mechanisms like cross-gender search limits, risk screening, and victim support services to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse. (Effective July 1, 2026)

Maddy summarySB 259 prohibits performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on minors under 18, defining it as a class D felony except for medically necessary procedures performed by licensed professionals during childbirth or for health reasons. The bill creates a civil remedy allowing victims to sue perpetrators for damages in superior court, removes parental immunity in such cases, and extends the statute of limitations to 30 years after the victim turns 18. It also mandates child-friendly testimony procedures in FGM-related cases, including closed-circuit testimony and accommodations to reduce trauma. The law directly affects minors under 18, medical providers, and parents or guardians who could face criminal or civil liability. The provisions take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Theodore M. Doolittle to serve as a judge on the Superior Court. The resolution officially approves his appointment for an eight-year term, replacing the outgoing judge Mary-Margaret D. Burgdorff. Once both the House and Senate pass this measure, Mr. Doolittle will formally assume his judicial duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Rosemarie T. Weber to serve as a judge on the Superior Court. By passing this resolution, the legislature approves her appointment for an eight-year term, replacing the outgoing judge Sheila M. Prats. The measure directly affects the state's judicial branch by finalizing Weber's entry into the court system. It does not alter any laws or policies but serves as a procedural step to complete the judicial appointment process.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Leah M. Pollard to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court. The resolution officially approves her appointment for an eight-year term, replacing the outgoing judge Michael Wu. By passing this measure, the General Assembly completes the judicial selection process for this specific vacancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Nisa J. Khan to serve as a judge on the Superior Court. The resolution formally approves her appointment for an eight-year term, replacing the outgoing judge Carl E. Taylor. By passing this measure, the legislature completes the judicial selection process for this specific vacancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Patrick M. Fahey to serve as a judge on the Superior Court. The resolution approves his appointment for an eight-year term, which begins after confirmation by both legislative chambers. This action replaces the outgoing judge, Honorable Susan Q. Cobb, and formally adds Fahey to the state's judicial roster.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Campbell Barrett, a resident of Durham, to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court. The resolution approves his appointment for an eight-year term, which begins after confirmation by both legislative houses and follows the retirement of the current judge, Michael P. Kamp. By passing this measure, the General Assembly formally completes the judicial appointment process for Barrett.