Rep. Tom Delnicki

Maddy summarySB 1220 adds state marshals to the list of state employees eligible for state-provided health insurance benefits under existing law. This means active state marshals will now receive the same group health coverage as police officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers who perform law enforcement duties. The bill specifies that the state will cover 70% of the premium cost for active employees (including marshals), with the remainder deducted from paychecks. The change takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not alter the existing benefit structure or eligibility criteria for other covered groups.

Maddy summarySB 1299 updates Connecticut's Medicaid dental coverage by establishing an annual $1,000 limit for nonemergency adult dental services, excluding preventive care (like cleanings and exams) and medically necessary treatments such as dentures. It requires prior authorization for most nonemergency services, defines "emergency" as conditions causing severe pain or health risks requiring immediate care, and mandates specific annual coverage: one dental exam, two cleanings, and periodontal therapy for "healthy adults" (ages 21+ with no dental disease affecting overall health). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting Medicaid recipients and dental providers by restructuring benefit limits and service requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 6992 establishes the "Homes for CT Loan Program" to support new residential construction in Connecticut. The program, administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, guarantees loans from participating banks and credit unions to developers of new residential buildings. It allows higher loan-to-value ratios than standard underwriting and provides additional subordinate loans from the Authority to eligible borrowers. The program caps total funding at $100 million, after which no new loans can be added, and requires participating lenders to report loans to the Authority within one business day. This directly affects new residential developers and participating financial institutions in Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 6919 requires the state to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy screening to its mandatory newborn screening program, effective July 1, 2027. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the list of conditions screened for at birth, alongside other conditions like sickle cell disease and phenylketonuria. This affects all newborns in the state who receive routine newborn screening. The policy change ensures early detection of Duchenne muscular dystrophy through the state's public health screening program.

Maddy summaryHB 6870 creates a process for the state to potentially import prescription drugs from Canada to lower costs for residents. It requires the Department of Consumer Protection to study the feasibility of such a program by October 2027, then seek federal approval for the program if the study finds it viable. If approved by federal regulators, participating wholesalers could import and distribute eligible drugs meeting safety and federal tracing requirements, directly affecting patients seeking affordable medications. The bill does not implement the program itself but establishes the framework for future action.

Maddy summaryHB 6876 establishes First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts to help new homeowners save for down payments and closing costs, directly affecting first-time homebuyers purchasing one-to-four family residences in the state. The bill allows individuals or couples to open these accounts at financial institutions, with funds used exclusively for qualifying home purchase expenses like down payments and closing costs. Account holders can contribute any amount (including from employers), and the bill creates a related state tax deduction and credit for qualifying expenses. The program begins January 1, 2026, with specific rules for account designation, tax reporting, and fund usage.

Maddy summaryHB 7078 establishes a process for property owners to request police removal of unauthorized occupants. It defines "unauthorized persons" as individuals not current/former tenants or immediate family, requiring owners to submit a verified affidavit proving they've directed the person to leave and lack valid lease or rental documentation. Police must verify the affidavit and serve a notice to vacate, with owners restored to possession. The bill also includes a civil remedy allowing wrongful removal victims to recover triple the fair market rent and attorney fees. (Note: Other provisions in the title - continuing education for licensees, a wholesaling study, and title changes - are not detailed in the bill text and are not summarized here.)

Maddy summaryHB 7120 creates grants to remove PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from fire apparatus, affecting municipalities, independent fire companies, and state agencies. It expands eligibility to include these groups, allows reimbursement for PFAS removal completed before July 1, 2023, and ensures unspent funds from the original $3 million allocation carry over to the next fiscal year. This prevents funds from expiring and enables continued support for PFAS removal efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 7055 creates two key tax provisions. First, it allows municipalities to establish property tax abatements for the primary residence of surviving domestic partners of police officers, firefighters, or EMTs who die while on duty (effective October 1, 2025). Second, it adds a personal income tax deduction for stipends paid to volunteer firefighters, volunteer fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members (effective January 1, 2026). These changes directly affect surviving domestic partners of certain first responders and volunteer emergency personnel. The bill modifies existing statutes to provide specific tax relief without altering general tax rates or creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 1318 requires telephone and telecommunications companies (including mobile and internet-based voice services) to charge subscribers a $0.05 monthly fee per access line. The funds collected must be deposited into the Firefighters Cancer Relief Account by the 15th of each month. This fee applies to most residential and business phone lines but excludes prepaid wireless services. The bill establishes a new funding source for the account, which provides wage replacement benefits to firefighters diagnosed with cancer, with estimated annual revenue of $2.4-$3.0 million starting in fiscal year 2027. The fee takes effect October 1, 2025.