Rep. Tone Felipe

Maddy summaryHB 5002 requires housing authorities to submit annual public reports detailing their housing inventory, rental prices by income level, and housing project conditions, starting October 2025. It also revises zoning regulations to mandate that municipalities consider housing affordability, reduce disparities, and promote "middle housing" development (like duplexes or small apartment buildings) on commercial-zoned lots without additional approval, effective July 2026. The bill directly affects housing authorities and local governments by increasing transparency about affordable housing and requiring zoning changes to expand housing options for low- and moderate-income residents. Key provisions include standardized reporting on rental costs relative to area median income and new zoning requirements that prioritize housing choice, environmental protection, and fair housing practices.

Maddy summaryHB 7214 mandates a study to improve maternal mental health care in Connecticut. The bill requires the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee to examine perinatal mental health services, racial disparities in care, and hospital policies regarding doulas. The committee will assess evidence-based treatments, cultural competency, funding models, and barriers affecting vulnerable populations - including Black individuals, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and those experiencing homelessness. The study will specifically evaluate how doula support impacts birth outcomes and equity, with reports due by 2027. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 7102 aims to improve maternal and infant health by increasing access to birth centers and hospitals in underserved areas with high Medicaid use. It requires the Health Commissioner to develop a strategic plan identifying barriers to opening such facilities, proposing state incentives, and reporting by January 2027. The bill also creates a new council of state agency leaders to coordinate services supporting fathers’ involvement in maternal health, including grant programs for low-income fathers focused on parenting skills, financial literacy, and family stability. This directly affects Medicaid recipients in underserved communities and low-income fathers through expanded support services.

Maddy summaryHB 7042 requires firearm manufacturers, distributors, and sellers (referred to as "firearm industry members") to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, straw purchasers, or firearm traffickers. It prohibits knowingly directing marketing that promotes unlawful sales or risks to public safety and mandates compliance with state and federal firearm laws. Individuals harmed by violations, municipalities, or the state can sue for damages, injunctions, or penalties in superior court starting October 1, 2025. The bill does not change firearm permit requirements for ordinary gun owners but focuses on holding industry members accountable for unsafe practices.

Maddy summaryHB 6894 establishes a new interagency council within the state government to coordinate efforts addressing homelessness. The council, composed of relevant state agencies (like housing, health, and social services departments), must develop and implement a unified statewide strategy for homelessness prevention and housing solutions. This law directly affects state agencies by requiring them to collaborate and share data, rather than operating in isolation. The bill became law as Public Act 25-52 after the governor signed it on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7259 updates Connecticut's criminal justice laws primarily by revising DNA evidence handling and sexual assault evidence protocols. It requires healthcare facilities treating sexual assault victims to offer three evidence collection options: "anonymous" (no name/reporting), "identified" (name but no report), or "reported" (name + report to police), with victims choosing at the time of evidence collection. The bill also clarifies when DNA data from the state lab can be shared with law enforcement (only after a match confirmation) and mandates that exculpatory DNA evidence must be disclosed to defendants. These changes apply directly to healthcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, and sexual assault victims.

Maddy summaryHB 7034 prohibits local governments from requiring developers to donate land as a condition for approving new housing subdivisions. This directly affects developers seeking subdivision approvals and local governments that previously mandated such land donations. The key provision bans the practice of conditioning subdivision approval on the transfer of land ownership to the municipality, ensuring developers cannot be forced to give land to the public as part of the approval process. The bill aims to prevent municipalities from using land donations as a tool to secure public spaces without formal acquisition.

Maddy summaryHB 6841 establishes a working group to study poverty reduction strategies in the state. The group, composed of state agency commissioners (like Social Services and Education) and appointed experts, will examine programs such as cash assistance, childcare support, housing policies, racial disparities, and inflation impacts. It must submit preliminary and final reports by mid-2026 and 2027 with recommendations for reducing poverty rates, but does not implement new policies or allocate funding. The bill has no fiscal impact, as it only authorizes a study.

Maddy summaryHB 6477 requires the Governor's office to create a plan by January 1, 2026, for translating state forms and applications - such as those for vital records and identification - into the 12 most common non-English languages in the state, based on the latest U.S. Census data. This directly affects limited-English proficient residents who need to access state agency services or benefits. The bill mandates the plan's development but does not require immediate translation, focusing instead on a structured review process. It has no fiscal impact on state or local governments, as noted in official analyses.

Maddy summarySB 2 regulates artificial intelligence systems used in major life decisions like hiring, loans, housing, and healthcare access. It defines "high-risk AI" as systems making "consequential decisions" (such as employment, credit, or housing) and requires developers and deployers to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The law specifically excludes video games, internal business tools, research activities, and non-discriminatory pattern analysis from regulation. It applies to companies operating within the state using such AI systems for covered decisions.