Rep. David Michel

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipal tax collectors to waive interest on delinquent property taxes if the delay is caused by an error made by the tax assessor or tax collector, rather than by the taxpayer. To qualify for this waiver, the tax collector and assessor must jointly confirm the error, and the decision must be approved by a vote of the municipality's legislative body. The law also mandates that tax collectors provide clear public notice regarding due dates, delinquency dates, and the applicable interest rate before taxes become late. Effective October 1, 2024, this change ensures that taxpayers are not penalized with interest when the government agency makes a mistake in calculating or collecting their taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 5523 directs federal American Rescue Plan funds to Connecticut state agencies for general government operations, human services, and education through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The bill allocates specific dollar amounts to various departments, including the Board of Regents for student retention and technology training, the Department of Developmental Services for caregiver support, and the Department of Economic and Community Development for grants to museums, aquariums, and community organizations. Additionally, the legislation provides funding for agricultural programs like farm-to-school initiatives and senior food vouchers, as well as operating support for public colleges and universities. These allocations aim to stabilize state programs and support local nonprofits and community venues during the specified biennium.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to support public schools by adjusting how state funds are distributed for facility maintenance and staff training. It directs existing money toward heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades and repairs within school districts. Additionally, the legislation increases funding for Regional Education Service Centers to help schools train educators on using artificial intelligence. These changes are designed to improve school infrastructure and equip teachers with modern technology skills.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework to address debts incurred by victims of domestic violence under duress, intimidation, or threats. It defines a "coerced debt" as any unsecured personal debt taken out by an individual who is a victim of domestic violence and was forced into the obligation through coercion. Under the new law, debt collectors and buyers must immediately stop all collection efforts once they receive specific documentation, such as police reports, restraining orders, or certified statements from qualified professionals like counselors or attorneys, confirming the debt was coerced. The legislation also imposes civil liability on individuals who cause others to incur such debts, holding them responsible for repaying the amount and covering associated legal fees. These protections apply to debts incurred on or after January 1, 2025, and are designed to prevent further harassment of victims while they seek to resolve the underlying abuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies to create a streamlined process that helps children enrolled in the HUSKY A health program easily access other nutrition benefits like WIC and SNAP. Starting in January 2025, the Departments of Public Health, Social Services, and Agriculture must work together to simplify enrollment, provide clear fact sheets, and make application forms available online and by phone. The legislation also directs these departments to coordinate specifically for children over six who are transitioning from the WIC program to SNAP, while prohibiting the governor from reducing funding for these specific nutrition programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes technical updates to Connecticut housing laws by clarifying the composition of the housing roundtable group, expanding the roles of legislative leaders and specific experts. It also directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to convert or renovate available properties to house veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. Additionally, the legislation strengthens privacy protections for eviction records by restricting their use for commercial screening purposes and ensuring they are removed from public websites after a set period. Finally, it adjusts the rules for when unpaid housing penalties automatically become a lien on a property owner's real estate.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program called CHESS to help people with complex health needs who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It requires state officials to create a strategic plan that simplifies how agencies work together to get benefits quickly and explores ways to secure additional funding for housing and health support. The legislation also mandates that a progress report be submitted to the state legislature by October 1, 2024, detailing how the program is improving health and housing stability for participants.

Maddy summarySB 333 repeals a state law that currently prevents local governments from changing specific rules in their municipal charters. The bill allows municipalities to amend their charters to adjust how citizens file petitions to challenge planning or zoning decisions, including changes to signature counts and residency requirements. It also permits local governments to modify vote thresholds and public notice procedures related to eminent domain and the sale of municipal property. This change directly affects local legislative bodies and zoning boards by giving them more flexibility to update their internal processes without needing separate state legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Commissioner of Social Services to cover biomarker testing for Medicaid recipients to help diagnose, treat, and monitor various diseases. The law defines biomarker testing as the analysis of a patient's biological samples to identify specific indicators related to their health condition. Coverage will be approved if there is scientific evidence supporting the test, such as FDA approval, Medicare coverage, or recommendations from independent medical guidelines. Additionally, the bill establishes an online system allowing patients and providers to request exceptions to prior authorization rules for these tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires barber, hairdressing, and cosmetology schools in Connecticut to include training on working with textured hair, which is defined as hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy. The Commissioner of Public Health, in consultation with the state's examining board, will update curriculum standards to cover techniques for various curl patterns, hair thicknesses, and volumes. These new educational requirements are set to take effect on July 1, 2024, ensuring that students learn to provide services to individuals with diverse hair types.