Rep. Jason Doucette

Maddy summaryHB 6240 requires Connecticut pet stores selling dogs or cats to provide a certificate of origin for each animal, detailing the breeder's and prior seller's name and address. This information must be posted visibly to customers, given to buyers at purchase, and filed with the state Department of Agriculture within seven days. The bill prohibits pet stores from purchasing animals from breeders or sellers with direct federal animal welfare violations or three or more health-related indirect violations in the past three years (extended from two years). Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per day, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense. The Department of Agriculture must annually report animal origins and violations to the Environment Committee by February 1.

Maddy summarySB 1243 exempts veterans with a state-issued veteran ID (like a driver's license marking veteran status) from paying bus fares on state-operated routes. It also creates a program allowing public high schools (grades 9-12) to obtain discounted or free bus passes for students, requiring schools to negotiate contracts with the Department of Transportation to cover costs. The DOT must publish program details online by August 2025 and report annually on pass usage and expenses. This directly affects veterans seeking free bus access and school districts participating in the student pass program.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant all Connecticut residents an enforceable right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, a healthy environment, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these rights equitably, avoid unreasonable infringement, and actively conserve natural resources like water, air, and wildlife for current and future generations. If passed by three-quarters of both legislative chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval to become part of Connecticut's constitution. The amendment would not create new regulations but would establish a legal foundation for residents to seek court enforcement of environmental protections.

Maddy summarySB 1271 requires all school districts to adopt three specific policies for school libraries: collection development (ensuring diverse materials accessible to all students), display and program guidelines (promoting free expression), and a reconsideration process for challenging materials. The bill prohibits removing library materials, displays, or programs based on the creator's background, viewpoint, or protected characteristics like race, gender, or religion. Only removals for legitimate educational reasons (e.g., outdated content or lack of relevance) or following professionally accepted collection standards are permitted. This directly affects school boards, librarians, and parents/students who may request material reviews under the new process.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 35 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the state's equal protection clause by explicitly prohibiting sex discrimination that includes pregnancy (including decisions about pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and related health care. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this amendment would require all state laws and government actions to comply with these expanded protections. The resolution must secure a three-quarters majority vote in both legislative chambers to appear on the 2026 general election ballot for voter approval.

Maddy summaryHB 6267 prohibits declawing or tendonectomy procedures on cats for non-medical reasons, defining "declawing" as surgical removal of claws or modification to impair claw function. The law allows exceptions only for medically necessary procedures addressing infections, injuries, or health issues (not cosmetic or convenience reasons). Violations carry civil penalties: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,500 for third or subsequent violations. The law, effective October 1, 2025, applies to veterinarians and pet owners performing or facilitating non-therapeutic claw removal.

Maddy summaryHB 6915 bans the use of certain second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone) statewide starting October 1, 2025, affecting most residential, commercial, and general pest control uses. Key exceptions allow continued use for public health activities (e.g., water infrastructure protection, mosquito control), emergency rodent infestations requiring public health approval, specific facilities like medical waste sites and food production facilities, and agricultural operations in designated locations (warehouses, slaughterhouses, etc.). The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Commissioner to develop wildlife protection regulations and submit a 2027 report analyzing impacts on public health, agriculture, and federal compliance. This policy change directly affects pest control businesses, property managers, and agricultural operations while permitting limited uses for public health and critical infrastructure needs.

Maddy summaryHB 5112 prohibits pet stores from buying or obtaining dogs, cats, or rabbits for sale starting October 1, 2025. This directly affects pet store owners who must stop purchasing these animals, though they may still host licensed animal shelters for adoption events under strict conditions. The law allows pet stores to provide space for 501(c)(3) shelters to showcase animals for adoption without compensation, but bans any sale or transfer of these animals by stores. Violations carry a maximum $500 fine. The bill does not restrict private breeders or pet owners.

Maddy summarySB 739 would redirect the additional 1% sales and use tax collected on meals sold by restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores directly to the municipalities where the tax was generated. This bill changes how revenue from this specific tax is distributed, moving it from the state to local governments. The key provision requires that all revenue from this tax on meals be allocated to the specific cities or towns where the sales occurred. This affects businesses selling prepared meals (like restaurants and grocery stores selling ready-to-eat food) and the local municipalities receiving the funds.

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.