Rep. Sarah Keitt

Maddy summaryHB 5862 requires public school libraries to develop written policies covering collection development, material review procedures, display practices, and student programs. It directly affects all public school libraries in the state by mandating formal, documented guidelines for these specific areas. The bill does not specify policy content but sets a requirement for schools to create and maintain these policies. This is a procedural policy change focused on standardizing library operations, not altering curriculum or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5919 prohibits the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (a type of rat poison that prevents blood clotting) statewide, directly affecting pest control professionals, property owners, and businesses that currently use these products. The bill allows limited exceptions for agricultural applications, medical waste facilities, and water supply protection areas. It amends state statutes to create this ban, replacing current allowances for general use. The legislation aims to reduce risks to non-target wildlife, pets, and humans from these persistent poisons.

Maddy summaryHB 5918 requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to install and maintain free sunscreen dispensers at all visitor centers in state parks and beaches. This policy directly affects visitors to these public recreational areas by providing accessible sunscreen to help protect against sun exposure. The bill mandates that the state department handle both the installation and ongoing maintenance of these dispensers. It focuses on a specific, practical health measure without broader regulatory changes. The law aims to support visitor safety as stated in its purpose.

Maddy summaryHB 5908 revises Connecticut's Harbor Management Act to clarify that municipalities retain the right to determine authorized uses (like development or activities) in areas managed by harbor commissions. It directly affects local governments by strengthening their role in decisions about harbor-area projects. The bill responds to recent court rulings that limited municipal participation in such decisions, aiming to restore clarity through specific statutory changes. This is a procedural update to existing law, not a new program.

Maddy summaryHB 6054 makes it a felony to sell or deliver THC products (including vaporizers and delta-8-THC) to anyone under 21. It directly affects licensed THC businesses and their employees who violate this rule. The bill imposes felony penalties identical to those for illegally selling alcohol to minors. This amendment to state law specifically targets the sale of certain THC products to minors, increasing legal consequences for violators.

Maddy summaryHB 6072 would amend state law to make the physical addresses of sexual assault and domestic violence victim centers, along with associated facilities, confidential under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This means the public and media would no longer be able to access these locations through FOIA requests. The bill also requires public agencies to discuss these centers or facilities in executive sessions during meetings, rather than in public. The stated purpose is to protect the safety of victims by preventing potential abusers from locating these critical service centers.

Maddy summaryHB 6081 expands Medicaid-covered dental services for adult beneficiaries by removing annual caps on preventive care like cleanings and exams. It adds coverage for gum disease treatment (periodontal care) and a second annual cleaning, while increasing reimbursement rates for dentists who accept Medicaid patients. This directly affects adult Medicaid recipients in need of routine oral care and dental providers who serve them. The bill aims to improve access to preventive dental services by eliminating financial barriers for beneficiaries and incentivizing provider participation through higher payments.

Maddy summaryHB 6082 would improve children's oral health in Connecticut by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for preventive dental services like sealants and fluoride treatments. It expands the Access for Baby Care Program to cover older children and adds dental benefits under the state medical assistance program for all income-eligible residents up to age 21, regardless of immigration status. The bill directly affects children and families eligible for Medicaid or state medical assistance, particularly those aged 0-21. Key changes include higher payments for dental providers, broader program eligibility, and removal of immigration status barriers to dental coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 6184 allows counselors certified by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board to treat gambling disorders in children aged 16 or older without notifying their parents or guardians. The bill requires the Department of Children and Families to hire at least one clinician certified by this board. These provisions directly affect teenagers with gambling disorders by expanding access to specialized treatment while removing parental notification requirements for that specific care.

Maddy summaryHB 5831 appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to Connecticut's Department of Social Services for the Nutrition Assistance Program in fiscal year 2026, with a 15% annual increase thereafter. The bill amends existing law to allow soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters to charge a handling fee of up to five cents per pound (instead of being required to pay it) to cover costs through the Connecticut Food Bank. This funding directly supports the supplemental nutrition commodities program serving low-income residents. The key change simplifies cost recovery for food assistance providers while increasing state funding for the program.