Maddy summaryThis bill protects health care providers from being fired, disciplined, or demoted if they provide reproductive health care services or gender-affirming care within their professional scope and standard of practice. It requires health care entities to allow providers to give patients comprehensive, medically accurate information about their health status and available treatment options without fear of retaliation. However, the law does not prevent health care entities from requiring providers to share information about all legal care options, including vaccinations, or from enforcing insurance network rules and quality safety guidelines. The protections apply only to providers acting in good faith and within their licensed areas of expertise.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 295 defines "legally protected health care activity" in Connecticut to include reproductive health care services (like contraception and pregnancy-related care) and gender-affirming health care services (such as treatment for gender dysphoria) permitted under state law. It allows healthcare providers, patients, or insurers to recover damages - including legal fees - if they face lawsuits or judgments in other states based on these services. The bill also states that Connecticut law governs all cases related to these services within the state, overriding conflicting out-of-state laws. This directly affects healthcare providers, patients receiving these services, and insurers offering coverage for them within Connecticut.
Maddy summaryHB 5328 establishes a working group to address Islamophobia in public schools. The group, composed of 10 appointed members including Muslim community representatives, educators, and civil rights advocates, will provide resources and recommendations to the Department of Education by January 1, 2027. Its key mechanisms include proposing policy amendments to improve school safety for Muslim students and staff, and offering training for educators on addressing religious bigotry. This procedural bill directly affects public schools statewide by creating a structured process to develop solutions, though it does not enact immediate policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 37) proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Connecticut's state constitution, establishing enforceable environmental rights for all residents. It would guarantee every person the right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a stable climate, requiring the state to protect these rights equitably regardless of race, gender, income, or location. The amendment also mandates the state to conserve natural resources and prohibits avoidable environmental harm or diversion of funds meant for environmental protection. If approved by voters in November 2026, this would become a permanent part of Connecticut's constitution, directly affecting all residents and future generations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid coverage to include fertility diagnostic care, fertility preservation services, and infertility treatments for individuals enrolled in the program. Effective January 1, 2027, the state would cover diagnostic tests, medications for ovulation enhancement, and up to six cycles of intrauterine insemination, while also funding storage of frozen eggs or embryos until age 30 or for five years, whichever is longer. The legislation prohibits waiting periods, discrimination based on disability or prior treatment history, and restrictions related to donor gametes, ensuring equal access regardless of age, race, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Social Services to consult with federal officials about potential future coverage for in-vitro fertilization and submit a report by July 2027 outlining options and funding needs for that service.
Maddy summaryHB 5260 prohibits municipalities from penalizing homeless individuals for specific daily activities in public spaces. It directly affects homeless people by ensuring they cannot be punished for moving freely, sleeping in legally parked vehicles, using public hygiene facilities, or performing basic needs like eating, resting, or seeking medical care in public. Key provisions ban local ordinances that restrict these activities, while allowing safety-related restrictions for public health or welfare. The bill excludes school properties, airports, and interior building areas from its definition of "public place." It takes effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 351 establishes a "just cause" standard for terminating both tenured and non-tenured teachers' contracts in Connecticut, requiring school boards to provide specific, documented reasons for termination. It mandates that teachers who receive termination or nonrenewal notices may request a hearing before a neutral arbitrator (chosen by the teacher and superintendent) within 10 days, with the hearing starting within 15 days. The law also requires school boards to provide written reasons for termination upon request and ensures teachers can be represented by legal counsel during hearings. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, apply directly to public school teachers and school boards across the state.
Maddy summarySB 353 amends Connecticut law to require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing conditions related to menopause, directly affecting working women in the state. It expands existing anti-discrimination protections by adding menopause to the list of conditions requiring accommodations, such as allowing seated work, flexible breaks, modified schedules, or temporary light-duty assignments. The bill defines "reasonable accommodation" and clarifies that employers cannot claim "undue hardship" for minor, low-cost adjustments. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all employers covered under Connecticut’s anti-discrimination law.
Maddy summaryHB 5303 allows licensed dental hygienists with at least two years of experience to provide dental hygiene services (like cleanings, sealants, and preventive care) in private residences, expanding where they can work beyond public health facilities. It requires hygienists practicing in homes to refer patients to dentists for issues outside their scope and coordinate those referrals. The bill amends existing law to clarify this new practice location, effective October 1, 2026, and directly affects qualified dental hygienists seeking to offer in-home services. This change does not alter the specific services hygienists may perform, only the permitted locations for those services.
Maddy summaryHB 5037 requires social media platforms to verify the age of users under 18 or obtain parental consent before showing them personalized content recommendations (like feeds or suggested posts). It applies to platforms that prioritize media based on user data, excluding shopping sites and purely educational tools. Platforms must delete age verification data after use and cannot charge more or degrade service for compliance. Exceptions include private messages, search results, or content from accounts users follow. The law takes effect January 1, 2028.