Rep. Tom Delnicki

Maddy summarySB 1222 expands workers' compensation coverage for public works department employees by clarifying that their commute to and from work counts as "in the course of employment" during specific scenarios: when responding to emergency calls while off-duty, following direct work orders during non-working hours, or after multiple consecutive overtime shifts. This change directly affects state and municipal public works employees (e.g., road crews, maintenance staff) who handle infrastructure maintenance. The bill amends Section 31-275 of the general statutes to explicitly include these commute periods in coverage, effective October 1, 2025. It does not alter existing compensation rules but provides clearer eligibility for these employees during defined work-related circumstances.

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.

Maddy summarySB 1426 expands Connecticut's Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to provide benefits for firefighters diagnosed with cancer affecting specific body systems (skin, brain, respiratory, etc.). Eligible firefighters must meet strict criteria: no prior cancer evidence at hire, no smoking for 15 years before diagnosis, at least five years of qualifying service (as interior structural firefighters or related roles), and annual health screenings. The bill ensures these firefighters receive workers' compensation-style benefits and retirement/survivor benefits from the relief account, covering uncovered treatment costs, while offsetting any existing benefits from workers' compensation or retirement systems. It becomes effective October 1, 2025, and administers claims like standard workers' compensation under Chapter 568.

Maddy summarySB 1401 creates "Disaster Savings Accounts" that allow homeowners to save money specifically for costs related to qualifying disasters like wildfires, floods, or hurricanes. Homeowners (as "qualified beneficiaries") who live in single-family residences can use these accounts to pay insurance deductibles or repair damage to their homes. Account holders (including the homeowner or joint account holders) can contribute unlimited funds, with tax deductions for contributions and a separate tax credit. The bill requires account holders to submit tax forms detailing contributions and withdrawals for eligible disaster-related expenses, while prohibiting financial institutions from tracking how funds are used.

Maddy summarySB 1370 requires contractors working on public works projects to pay workers performing off-site custom fabrication the local prevailing wage rate. This applies to workers building specific systems (like plumbing, heating, or ventilation) at a separate location but made exclusively for a public project, excluding standard stock materials. The law expands existing prevailing wage requirements - previously covering on-site work - to include this off-site fabrication, effective July 1, 2025. It directly affects construction workers and contractors on state or local government public projects.

Maddy summarySB 1526 adds state marshals to the list of state employees eligible for group health insurance benefits under Connecticut's existing state-sponsored plan. This means state marshals will now receive the same health insurance coverage as other state employees, with the state covering most premium costs and employees paying a portion. The bill expands current coverage provisions (effective July 1, 2025) to include state marshals' surviving spouses and dependent children, mirroring the existing terms for other public safety employees like police and firefighters. It does not create new benefits but extends current coverage to this specific workforce category.

Maddy summarySB 1560 creates the Connecticut Energy Procurement Authority (CEPA) to address electricity affordability by improving system efficiency and reducing costs for residents and businesses. The bill establishes CEPA to coordinate electricity procurement, grid investments, and demand management - specifically targeting inefficient peak usage (where systems run at twice average capacity) and shifting costs from solar adopters to remaining ratepayers. Key mechanisms include promoting smart meters for dynamic pricing, supporting heat pumps and EV charging infrastructure, and encouraging efficient electricity use through demand-side management. This directly affects all Connecticut electricity customers, aiming to lower bills by optimizing grid utilization and aligning infrastructure with actual demand patterns.

Maddy summarySB 1278 modifies Connecticut's income tax code by updating specific deductions used to calculate taxable income. It repeals existing tax adjustments and adds new provisions, including adjustments for Social Security benefits and interest from Connecticut state bonds. The bill directly affects Connecticut residents who itemize deductions on their state tax returns, particularly those receiving Social Security income or investing in state-issued bonds. Key provisions allow taxpayers to subtract certain Social Security benefits (based on federal adjusted gross income thresholds) and interest from Connecticut government obligations from their taxable income. These changes apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1177 (2025) directs the Commissioner of Social Services, with input from the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, to conduct a study on the state's long-term care needs. The study must be completed and reported to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2026. This bill does not change existing laws or directly affect residents; it solely mandates a government study to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 7038 requires the Insurance Commissioner, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Agriculture, to conduct a feasibility study on creating a captive insurance company or using parametric insurance to provide financial assistance to farmers in the state affected by severe weather. The study must evaluate both options and report findings to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This bill does not create new insurance programs but only mandates an analysis to determine if such programs could be implemented. It directly affects farmers facing weather-related losses and focuses solely on assessing potential solutions through a formal study.