Rep. Jill Gilchrest

Maddy summaryHB 5580 requires Connecticut's Medicaid program to cover diabetes prevention, education, self-management, and specialized nutrition therapy services for eligible beneficiaries, effective July 1, 2025. The bill also establishes a Diabetes Advisory Council (Section 2) to study and recommend improvements to diabetes care, composed of medical experts, legislators, public health officials, and a person with diabetes or prediabetes. This directly affects Medicaid recipients with diabetes or prediabetes by expanding access to preventive care. The council must submit annual reports starting January 2026, with the commissioner required to report on enrollment and health impacts by the same deadline.

Maddy summaryHB 7022 requires Medicaid to cover fertility diagnostic care, preservation services, and treatment for individuals with infertility, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for medically necessary ovulation-enhancing drugs and at least three cycles of medication treatment to achieve pregnancy. The bill specifically defines "infertility" and requires the state to report by July 2026 on potential costs and Medicaid waivers for including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage. This expansion directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries seeking fertility care, which is currently not covered under standard Medicaid benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 6937 expands Medicaid coverage to include diapers deemed medically necessary for children under age three. It requires a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse to certify that diapers are needed to prevent or treat severe skin infections, urinary tract issues, or conditions like developmental delays that cause frequent soiling. The state must amend its Medicaid plan by July 2025 and report by September 2026 on the number of qualifying children, annual costs (estimated at $20 million+), and potential savings from preventing related health issues. This directly affects Medicaid-eligible children under three with qualifying medical conditions, not general diaper coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 7135 protects patients and healthcare providers in Connecticut who receive or provide reproductive and gender-affirming health care services permitted under Connecticut law. The bill allows individuals to recover damages if sued in another state for such services, even if the patient was not physically in Connecticut during treatment. It also strengthens patient privacy by prohibiting healthcare providers from disclosing records related to these services without written consent, and requires them to notify Connecticut's Attorney General if served with a subpoena for such information. The law applies to all covered healthcare entities and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1502 allows courts to consider sentence reductions for individuals convicted of felonies who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. It directly affects defendants who can provide documented evidence (like court records, protective orders, or professional affidavits) showing their trauma was a contributing factor in their offense. The bill requires courts to review such requests before sentencing, using specific evidence standards outlined in the law. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all felony convictions after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 7212 prohibits state law enforcement officers, bail commissioners, school security personnel, and related agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in specific ways. It directly affects police departments, correctional facilities, school security, and court personnel by banning actions like sharing release dates, home/work addresses, or allowing ICE interviews in custody facilities. Key provisions forbid providing "ICE access" (such as notification of release times, nonpublic data, or facility use for immigration enforcement) while clarifying that routine fingerprinting or database checks for arrests remain permitted. The bill aims to limit state-level collaboration with federal immigration enforcement under the defined restrictions.

Maddy summarySB 1438 prohibits performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on anyone under 18 years old, making it a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. It directly affects minors under 18 and healthcare providers who perform non-medical procedures involving cutting or altering the labia or clitoris. The bill includes two key exceptions: medically necessary procedures by licensed physicians, or procedures during childbirth performed by licensed physicians, nurse-midwives, or trainees for birth-related medical purposes. Crucially, it explicitly states that procedures justified solely by cultural or ritual beliefs do not qualify as medical exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to change the term lengths for state legislators. Currently, members of the state legislature serve two-year terms. The amendment would establish a new cycle where, after each U.S. Census redistricting, the first two elected terms would be four years long, followed by a two-year term. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, this change would affect all state senators and representatives elected in subsequent cycles. The resolution must first pass the legislature with a three-quarter vote to appear on the ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program for overdose prevention centers in four Connecticut municipalities. These centers would allow people with substance use disorders to safely consume drugs under medical supervision while receiving counseling, drug testing strips, referrals to treatment, and basic services like showers. Municipalities must approve locations, and centers must employ licensed health providers who cannot face disciplinary action for participating. The program includes an advisory committee to address operational issues like needle disposal and legal protections for staff and participants.

Maddy summaryHB 6517 requires all Connecticut employers (including state/local government and private businesses) to disclose the wage range and benefits description for every job opening in both public and internal job postings. It prohibits employers from asking about a job applicant’s salary history and bans retaliation against employees who discuss or inquire about pay. The law applies to all positions performed within Connecticut and takes effect October 1, 2025. Employers must provide wage ranges to applicants upon request or before salary discussions, and to current employees upon hire, role changes, or annual updates.