Rep. Tone Felipe

Maddy summaryHB 5306 allows courts to reduce sentences for individuals convicted of felonies who were survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, provided the abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. Defendants must submit documented proof (such as court records, protective orders, or counselor affidavits) demonstrating their survivor status and the abuse's role in the crime. Courts must then determine if the abuse was a contributing factor before applying sentence reductions. This applies to all felony convictions where the abuse contributed to the offense, without requiring it to be the sole cause, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5428 expands the Office of the Inspector General's authority to investigate police-related deaths and use-of-force incidents. It requires investigations when a peace officer uses physical force causing death (Section 1(a)(1)), when a person dies in police or correctional custody (1(a)(2)), or when next-of-kin report failures to notify about a death (1(a)(3)). The Inspector General must file public reports within 48 hours detailing circumstances, justifiability of force under state law, and recommended actions (Section 1(b)). This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies, peace officers, and families of deceased individuals, mandating standardized investigations and transparency for specific incidents.

Maddy summarySB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects health care providers from being fired, disciplined, or demoted if they provide reproductive health care services or gender-affirming care within their professional scope and standard of practice. It requires health care entities to allow providers to give patients comprehensive, medically accurate information about their health status and available treatment options without fear of retaliation. However, the law does not prevent health care entities from requiring providers to share information about all legal care options, including vaccinations, or from enforcing insurance network rules and quality safety guidelines. The protections apply only to providers acting in good faith and within their licensed areas of expertise.

Maddy summarySB 295 defines "legally protected health care activity" in Connecticut to include reproductive health care services (like contraception and pregnancy-related care) and gender-affirming health care services (such as treatment for gender dysphoria) permitted under state law. It allows healthcare providers, patients, or insurers to recover damages - including legal fees - if they face lawsuits or judgments in other states based on these services. The bill also states that Connecticut law governs all cases related to these services within the state, overriding conflicting out-of-state laws. This directly affects healthcare providers, patients receiving these services, and insurers offering coverage for them within Connecticut.

Maddy summarySB 194 requires cardiac screening for student athletes participating in high-intensity sports like football, basketball, and soccer. Starting July 1, 2027, schools must provide parents with a screening form asking about chest pain, fainting, or family history of sudden cardiac death. Students reporting these risk factors must get an EKG test and doctor's written clearance before participating. The bill also mandates schools to implement a cardiac awareness program for athletes and coaches, outlining warning signs and medical response protocols, with parent consent forms distributed annually. This directly affects student athletes in specified sports and their families through new health screening and education requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5325 restricts school seclusion to emergency situations only (to prevent immediate injury), banning its use for discipline, convenience, or as a planned intervention in student plans. It requires constant monitoring, cameras, and clear visibility (via windows) in all seclusion rooms. The bill also mandates annual reports on special education spending and updates contract rules for private service providers. These changes directly affect students in special education, school staff, and private providers offering these services.

Maddy summaryHB 5322 establishes an endometriosis working group within Connecticut's Legislative Department to evaluate current methods for diagnosing, treating, and educating healthcare providers about endometriosis. The group, appointed by the House chairperson of the human services committee, will assess best practices and provide recommendations to improve care for patients. It must submit annual reports starting January 1, 2027, to relevant legislative committees on public health and human services. This bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on studying existing approaches to address endometriosis care gaps.

Maddy summarySB 395 establishes a task force to study strategies for achieving 100% voter participation in the state by 2030, including examining policies requiring voting as a civic duty and assessing election administration needs. The task force, composed of legislative leaders, state officials, and gubernatorial appointees, must report findings and recommendations by February 2027, including potential funding for municipal efforts. The bill also authorizes local governments to create pilot programs - within existing resources - to boost voter engagement, such as outreach campaigns, without mandating new voting requirements. It focuses on research and local experimentation, not direct policy changes to election laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5261 allows municipalities to ban rent increases for residential rental units that have two or more outstanding violations of local health/safety ordinances or the State Building Code. The bill requires municipalities to pass a local ordinance through their legislative body to implement this restriction, which remains in effect until the building violations are fixed. It directly affects landlords of affected properties and provides tenants with protection from rent hikes during unsafe living conditions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all residential units defined under state law.