Rep. Hubert Delany

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new crime called digital forgery, which applies to anyone who creates and shares fake images or audio recordings of people with the intent to cause financial harm. The law defines a digitally forged likeness as content that looks or sounds real but was created using computer systems without the person's consent. It makes this a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether the act was part of a larger scheme, but it exempts law enforcement officers acting in their official duties. The bill also protects online platforms from liability unless they knew the content was being created or shared illegally.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles to issue permits allowing organ transport vehicles to use specific colored lights, including blue, red, yellow, or white, either steady or flashing. It directly affects vehicles operated by employees of licensed organ procurement organizations while they are transporting organs, eyes, or human tissue for transplantation. The legislation creates a new permit category for these vehicles, enabling them to use lighting that would otherwise require authorization under current state law, which generally restricts colored and flashing lights on motor vehicles. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026, and establishes that these vehicles must still comply with existing restrictions on light use for police officers and DMV inspectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill reformers address verification requirements for individuals required to register under Connecticut sex offender laws, including those convicted of sexually violent offenses. It reduces penalties for failing to report changes in name, address, or status from a class D felony to a C misdemeanor, and allows charges to be dismissed if the person corrects the violation within 20 business days of arraignment and has no prior convictions. The legislation also establishes an affirmative defense for those unable to comply due to uncontrollable circumstances and requires the state to mail address verification forms within five business days upon request. These changes aim to make the registration process more manageable while maintaining oversight of registrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the federal Americans with Disabilities Act into Connecticut state law by incorporating the act and its regulations into the state's general statutes, ensuring they apply with the same force as if fully written into state law. It allows individuals who believe they have been discriminated against under the ADA to file complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities instead of pursuing federal complaints, provided state law does not offer more stringent protections. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and applies to employment, state and local government services, and public accommodations covered by the federal act.

Maddy summarySB 220 requires school districts to create individual reading plans for students in grades 4-9 who scored at Level 1 or 2 on English Language Arts exams or missed growth targets. Each plan must identify specific reading gaps, outline evidence-based interventions (like small-group tutoring with a 4:1 student-to-tutor ratio), and include parent communication. The bill also establishes a state grant program to fund high-dosage tutoring for these students, prioritizing districts in alliance towns or with detailed implementation plans. It updates required reading assessments for kindergarten through grade 3 to include frequent screening and progress monitoring.

Maddy summarySB 191 establishes a state-run pilot program for psychedelic-assisted therapy using MDMA and psilocybin, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects qualified patients in Connecticut who are 18+ and meet specific criteria (veterans, retired first responders, or healthcare workers), providing them access to therapy administered by a state-selected medical school. The program requires federal FDA approval under 21 CFR 312 for research purposes and will terminate once MDMA/psilocybin receive DEA approval for medical use. The bill repeals an existing statute and creates a structured framework for this therapeutic pilot program.

Maddy summaryHB 5163 establishes a state task force to study ways to improve affordability for children, families, and young professionals. The task force will examine existing programs (like cash assistance, child care, and job training), analyze systemic barriers (such as housing costs, transportation access, and racial disparities), and identify funding sources and collaboration opportunities between state agencies. Composed of agency commissioners, legislative leaders, and experts in relevant fields, the task force must submit a preliminary report by June 2027 and a final report by June 2028 to the legislature. The bill does not create new programs but aims to provide data-driven recommendations for future affordability initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 391 requires the Commissioner of Correction to arrange breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for women in state custody at licensed healthcare facilities closer to their correctional facility than the University of Connecticut Health Center. The bill specifically allows for on-site mammograms when possible, but if unavailable, permits arranging services at nearer facilities instead of defaulting to UConn Health Center. This applies to all women committed to correctional custody and takes effect July 1, 2026. The law directly expands access to timely breast cancer care by prioritizing proximity to correctional 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 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.