Rep. Sarah Keitt

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 6438, now Public Act 25-95) creates multiple symbolic honors to recognize Connecticut military members and veterans. It authorizes specific non-monetary measures, such as placing plaques at state facilities, designating commemorative events, and establishing a formal process for honoring service. The law directly affects active-duty service members, veterans, and their families within Connecticut by providing official state-level recognition of their military contributions. As a commemorative measure, it does not alter benefits, funding, or existing policies but affirms the state's appreciation for military service.

Maddy summaryHB 6978 implements revisions to public health statutes based on recommendations from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. It directly affects the Department of Public Health by updating the legal framework governing public health regulations and operations. The bill’s key provision requires the department to adopt specific changes to existing statutes, though it does not detail the exact revisions. As a signed public act (25-96), it became effective upon the governor’s signature on June 24, 2025. This law modifies statutory language to align with current public health practices without specifying new programs or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1473 requires Medicaid to cover FDA-approved gene therapies used to treat sickle cell disease. This law directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries in the state diagnosed with sickle cell disease who would otherwise face barriers to accessing these advanced treatments. The key provision mandates that Medicaid must provide coverage for these specific therapies without requiring separate prior authorization for each treatment. The bill became law after being signed by the governor on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5730 changes the term structure for members of the Two-Generational Advisory Board, requiring staggered terms instead of all terms ending at the same time. This affects the board members directly by altering when their appointments expire. The bill's key provision establishes that terms will be divided so that not all members serve full terms simultaneously. It is a procedural adjustment to the board's governance structure. The bill became Public Act 25-83 after being signed by the governor on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Developmental Services to file annual reports by January 15, 2026, detailing abuse and neglect investigations, including complaint numbers, substantiation rates, and actions taken. It also mandates quarterly spending reports starting September 30, 2025, tracking how funds for disability services are used and waiting lists for those services. Additionally, the bill creates two working groups: one to study Southbury Training School operations and another to examine an interagency case team for young adults with disabilities, both due to report by February 1, 2026. These provisions aim to improve transparency, accountability, and service planning for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 8 would have amended unemployment benefit rules to protect workers during labor disputes by removing a provision that previously denied benefits if a dispute lasted 14 days after December 2026. It directly affected workers who lost jobs due to strikes or lockouts, ensuring they could retain benefits unless they participated in or financially supported the dispute. The bill changed eligibility rules to clarify that lockouts (defined as employers refusing work during negotiations) wouldn’t automatically disqualify workers from benefits. However, Governor Ned Lamont vetoed the bill on June 23, 2025, preventing these changes from taking effect. The veto means current unemployment rules remain in place for workers facing labor disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 5003 creates an online portal for parents and childcare providers to access real-time information about available childcare slots, including free or subsidized options, and to apply for subsidies. It requires the Office of Early Childhood to establish this portal by July 2028, with mobile and web access, and to manage payments for childcare subsidies through a new prospective payment system by July 2027. The bill also updates eligibility rules for childcare providers, requiring them to submit detailed information like provider identities, health data, and business structures to remain eligible for state reimbursement. Additionally, it mandates studies on childcare insurance costs and background check processing times, with reports due by 2026. This bill directly affects parents seeking childcare, licensed childcare providers, and state agencies administering subsidies.

Maddy summaryHB 6883 protects the addresses of domestic violence and sexual assault victims living in shelters or transitional housing. It prohibits housing providers from disclosing these locations without the victim’s explicit consent. This law directly affects victims seeking safety and their housing providers, preventing abusers from locating them through address sharing. The key provision requires confidentiality around housing addresses to enhance victim safety. The bill became law after Governor’s signature on June 23, 2025.

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.