Rep. Eleni DeGraw

Maddy summarySB 1413 requires the Connecticut State University System to develop and implement inclusive programs for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These programs must enable full participation in campus life, including academic, social, and recreational activities. The bill directly affects students with these disabilities attending any Connecticut State University campus. The legislation passed the Senate on May 22, 2025, and is currently pending in the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHB 7009 establishes a Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement for high school diplomas, requiring students to complete two years of social studies (including a U.S. government or civics course), participate in a civic engagement project, and demonstrate civics proficiency through assessments. It mandates expanded transparency in school data tracking, requiring public schools to collect and report detailed information about multilingual learners (including home language and bilingual program participation) starting in 2026. The bill also creates a parent bill of rights for multilingual learners to protect their educational rights and requires school districts to make Islamic and Arab studies curriculum materials available. These provisions directly affect Connecticut public schools, students, and families, focusing on civic education standards, data transparency, and equitable resource access.

Maddy summaryHB 6074 establishes a Connecticut student loan reimbursement program for eligible residents who graduated with an associate or bachelor's degree from a state institution, hold a professional license, and meet income limits (under $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married couples/head of household). Participants must be Connecticut residents for at least five years and have outstanding student loans. The program requires participants to complete 50 hours of unpaid volunteer service annually with approved nonprofits, municipal governments, or the military, or apply for a hardship waiver. Applications will be processed on a first-come basis, with the program effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 611 sets maximum fees for occupational licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations in Connecticut. It directly affects professionals including certified public accountants (reducing initial fees from $150 to $100), architects, engineers, and surveyors. Key provisions include lowering initial license fees (e.g., professional engineers from $220 to $100) and annual renewal fees (e.g., class B fees from $150 to $100), effective July 1, 2025. The bill standardizes these fee structures under the Department of Consumer Protection without altering licensing requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1247 authorizes the state to issue up to $733 million in bonds for capital projects across multiple state agencies, effective July 1, 2025. The funds will directly support specific infrastructure improvements, including $16 million for Capitol Area System upgrades, $20 million for solar installations on state property (excluding parks), $7.5 million for expanding the Middletown Veterans Cemetery, and $40 million for park renovations and ADA accessibility. Additional allocations cover building renovations for departments like Veterans Affairs, Emergency Services, and Mental Health, as well as $50 million for planning Whiting Forensic Hospital replacement. The bill specifies exact project types and dollar limits for each agency, with no general public funding or tax changes. This is a funding authorization bill focused on state facility modernization and environmental upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 7273 establishes a working group to study how to fund a universal free school meals program for all public school students. The group will examine required funding amounts, potential sources like dedicated taxes, program rules, and other relevant factors. The working group, made up of legislative committee chairs, school representatives, and nutrition experts, must submit its report to the legislature by January 1, 2026, with no immediate cost to the state or municipalities.

Maddy summarySB 981 expands Medicaid eligibility for older adults and people with disabilities in Connecticut by raising the income limit to 159% of the temporary family assistance program's income threshold (up from previous levels). It removes asset limits for this group, allowing individuals with savings or property to qualify if they meet the income standard. The bill requires the state to provide applicants with written notices explaining how property transfers or income levels affect eligibility. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns Connecticut's Medicaid rules with federal income calculation standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Connecticut's Department of Motor Vehicles to mandate a highway work zone safety awareness program for two groups: new driver's license applicants and drivers convicted of specific traffic violations (like unsafe work zone driving or failing to yield to emergency vehicles). The program must cover safe driving practices, work zone dangers, risks of shoulder driving, and proper interaction with emergency vehicles, including testimonials from workers and families. Providers must meet strict certification standards, including background checks, curriculum approval, and maintaining records, with fees and surety bonds required for certification. The law aims to improve safety for transportation workers by educating drivers about risks in work zones.

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 summarySB 1540 requires a working group - including pediatric hospice providers, hospitals, medical specialists, and state officials - to develop recommendations for a new Children's Health program with a Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care Center of Excellence pilot. The group must submit initial findings by March 2025 and final recommendations by March 2026, covering funding, staffing, facility requirements, and training for pediatric hospice care. These recommendations will guide the establishment of the pilot program, which aims to standardize and expand specialized care for seriously ill children. The bill implements prior working group findings without introducing new state costs, as confirmed by the fiscal note.