Rep. Rachel Khanna

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the intentional addition of PFAS chemicals to a wide range of consumer products, including mattresses, clothing, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies, effective October 1, 2024. It defines specific categories such as children's products, outdoor apparel, and cookware to clarify which items are subject to the new limits while excluding certain uses deemed essential for health and safety. Manufacturers must ensure that PFAS are not deliberately included in these goods unless they are unavoidable for the product's function and no safer alternative exists. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "intentionally added" and "currently unavoidable use" to guide regulatory enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens dam safety regulations by giving the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection the authority to immediately act on dams that pose an imminent threat to public safety or the environment. Under the new rules, the commissioner can enter private property to inspect structures, hire experts to assess risks, and issue emergency orders to owners without waiting for a prior hearing to stop dangerous conditions. If a dam owner fails to comply with these emergency orders, they become financially liable for all investigation and repair costs, plus an additional penalty equal to twice those costs. The legislation also updates penalty provisions to allow for quicker legal action against violations that endanger lives or property.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund, a separate financial entity designed to collect and manage money specifically for early childhood education and child care needs. The fund is established as an independent source of money that cannot be mixed with state funds, meaning the state has no claim to the money inside it and is not responsible for any debts the fund might incur. The Treasurer is authorized to invest these funds in various financial instruments to grow the account, while a new Advisory Commission will oversee the fund's financial health and create a ten-year spending plan. This commission includes a diverse group of appointed members representing parents, businesses, philanthropies, and various types of child care providers to guide how the money is used.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new physical safety standards for nursing homes, requiring facilities to arrange beds with at least three feet of clearance to prevent entrapment and hazards, while also phasing in a rule that limits resident rooms to a maximum of two beds. The legislation creates a voluntary "Centers of Excellence" program designed to recognize and incentivize nursing homes that adopt evidence-based, person-centered care practices through a process involving state officials and various stakeholders. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of an online consumer report card to provide families with comprehensive information about nursing home quality and industry best practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 5058, adopts the Nurse Licensure Compact into Connecticut law to allow nurses to hold a single license that permits them to practice in any other state that has also joined the agreement. Starting in October 2025, the state will issue multistate licenses to qualified nurses, eliminating the need to apply for separate permits in each neighboring jurisdiction. The agreement establishes a system where nurses must meet uniform standards and allows state boards to share information about disciplinary actions or investigations to protect public safety. While the bill simplifies the process for nurses to work across state lines, it also ensures that any violations of nursing laws in one participating state can be enforced by the boards in all other member states.

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 enacts the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice across multiple member states with a single license. The agreement creates a shared data system to track licensure and disciplinary records, ensuring that professionals can move between states without needing separate permits for each location. It also establishes rules for holding social workers accountable in the state where their clients are located and includes provisions to support military families and facilitate telehealth services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run registry to help connect seniors and their families with qualified home care providers while improving oversight of these workers. Starting in 2025, the registry will allow users to search for caregivers based on specific skills like language proficiency and certifications, and it will also assist providers with recruitment, training, and benefits. The legislation mandates that agencies hiring home companions require new employees to complete training on recognizing and responding to harassment, abuse, and discrimination by clients. Additionally, the bill directs a state council to develop plans for better recruiting, training, and wage standards for personal care attendants to ensure higher quality care.