Rep. Ken Gucker

Maddy summarySB 362 requires Connecticut towns to submit digital property files to regional councils or the Office of Policy and Management by September 1, 2027, and annually thereafter. These files must include property identifiers, sizes, addresses, land/building values, and construction years. Regional councils must then report towns failing to submit files to state officials. The bill also updates requirements for municipalities to submit assessed valuations for state grants by April 1 each year, with a $250 penalty for non-compliance and appeal processes for disputed valuations.

Maddy summarySB 317 exempts the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility from paying a $1.50-per-ton solid waste processing fee for five years (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031). This exemption applies specifically to the facility, located in a Hartford County town with a population between 61,000 and 64,000, as stated in the bill's purpose. The bill replaces an existing statute requiring this fee payment for all resource recovery facilities, with the exemption period explicitly defined. The primary policy change is a temporary fee waiver for this facility, while other reporting and fund allocation provisions remain unchanged.

Maddy summarySB 247 limits state agency payments to employees resigning or retiring, capping amounts over $50,000 unless tied to specific exceptions like disciplinary leave or collective bargaining. It prohibits agreements that restrict employees from reporting misconduct or sharing information under existing whistleblower laws. For state colleges and universities, the bill requires foundations to include elected student and faculty members as nonvoting board members, with student/faculty elections managed by institutional boards. The law directly affects state agencies, public colleges, and employees covered by these payment and foundation rules, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5352 sets strict deadlines for Connecticut's State Elections Enforcement Commission to handle election-related complaints. It requires the Commission to complete preliminary reviews within 14 days, make a "probable cause" determination within 60 days, and dismiss complaints if unresolved within one year (with exceptions for foreign national violations or specific election provisions). If the Commission misses deadlines, complainants or respondents can seek court orders to compel action, and the Commission must refer unresolved cases to the Chief State's Attorney after 90 days of finding probable cause. The bill directly affects voters filing complaints, election officials responding to allegations, and the Commission itself by streamlining enforcement processes.

Maddy summaryHB 5331 allows certain crematories that were approved and had an inspection certificate by January 1, 2020, to continue operating without an active air permit while they apply for or renew their air permits, or seek a permit to expand operations. The bill prevents these facilities from having to shut down during the administrative process for permit renewal or expansion. It applies only to crematories meeting the January 1, 2020, approval deadline, ensuring continuity of services for communities relying on these facilities.

Maddy summarySB 125 requires nursing homes with private equity ownership to disclose detailed ownership and financial information annually to the Commissioner of Social Services, including ownership entity details, financial statements, and mortgage terms. It mandates that these facilities secure a performance bond covering 90 days of operating costs when applying for or renewing licenses. The bill also prohibits selling nursing home properties within five years of acquisition without written approval from the Commissioner of Public Health, which can only be granted if the sale benefits resident care or operational stability. These provisions directly affect nursing homes owned by private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, or other investment entities.

Maddy summarySB 367 establishes a working group to study roadside safety for wreckers and towing professionals. The group, including state safety committee leaders, emergency services and transportation commissioners, and a towing industry representative, will evaluate issues like vehicle lighting standards and worker protection methods. It must submit findings and recommendations to the relevant committee by January 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future safety policies.

Maddy summaryHB 5155 requires Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to create an online database tracking pesticide sales and use by December 2028, replacing older reporting methods. The database will make public access to historical pesticide data (from Chapter 441 of state law) and include pesticide-treated seed information collected with the Department of Agriculture. It allocates $100,000 for development in fiscal year 2027. This directly affects pesticide sellers and users (who must report through the new system) and provides the public with clearer access to where, what, and how much pesticides are used statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 5295 is a ceremonial bill that names the Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam as the "Governor John Dempsey Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center." It honors John Dempsey, a former Putnam mayor, state representative, and Connecticut's 81st governor. The bill has no policy impact - it solely changes the facility's official name and takes effect October 1, 2026. This is a procedural resolution with no substantive legislative changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the state calculates reimbursement for ambulance services under Medicaid, specifically changing how out-of-district mileage is measured. Starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Social Services will base payments on the actual distance traveled with the patient onboard, rounded to the nearest tenth of a mile, rather than using fixed town-to-town rates. Ambulance providers can use GPS data, navigation systems, or mapping programs to document mileage and must keep trip reports with patient details and pickup and destination addresses in their records. The change aims to ensure reimbursement reflects actual service costs while maintaining flexibility for providers to choose verification methods.