Rep. Jill Gilchrest

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant all Connecticut residents an enforceable right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, a healthy environment, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these rights equitably, avoid unreasonable infringement, and actively conserve natural resources like water, air, and wildlife for current and future generations. If passed by three-quarters of both legislative chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval to become part of Connecticut's constitution. The amendment would not create new regulations but would establish a legal foundation for residents to seek court enforcement of environmental protections.

Maddy summarySB 806 expands Medicaid coverage to include specific emergency medical conditions, such as high-risk pregnancy, Type 1 diabetes emergencies in minors, severe hypertension, unstable seizures, and acute psychiatric treatment. It directly affects individuals with these qualifying conditions who previously might not have received emergency Medicaid coverage for outpatient care. The bill requires the state to create an online application system by July 2026 for advance eligibility for outpatient emergency treatment, replacing emergency room visits where possible. This change aligns with federal Medicaid rules and aims to improve access to timely care for these critical health issues.

Maddy summaryHB 6958 prohibits publishers from including certain terms in digital book and audiobook license agreements with libraries. It bans clauses that block libraries from lending digital materials (including interlibrary loans), limit how many times a book can be lent, prevent making preservation copies, or restrict sharing contract terms with other libraries. Libraries may still set reasonable limits on simultaneous users or use technology to control access periods. The law applies to new or renewed contracts after July 1, 2026, affecting public, school, and academic libraries in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 6889 protects specific tenants from no-cause evictions in multi-unit buildings (5+ units) or mobile home parks. It applies to seniors (62+), people with qualifying disabilities, or tenants who've lived there 13+ months. Landlords may only evict for reasons like nonpayment, serious lease violations affecting health/safety, or specific "for personal use" scenarios (requiring 90-day notice and proof no other units are available). The bill also requires rent increases for protected tenants to be "fair and equitable," with disputes resolved through local commissions or courts. It takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7021 appropriates $10 million from the General Fund for Connecticut’s Supplemental Nutrition Commodities Assistance Program, effective July 2025. The program funds Connecticut Foodshare (formerly the Connecticut Food Bank) to buy bulk nutritious food in-state and distribute it free to soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters. It requires at least 15% of annual funds to purchase produce from Connecticut farmers and mandates a 3% annual funding increase starting July 2026. The bill allows, but does not require, these organizations to charge a 5-cent-per-pound handling fee to cover distribution costs.

Maddy summarySB 1271 requires all school districts to adopt three specific policies for school libraries: collection development (ensuring diverse materials accessible to all students), display and program guidelines (promoting free expression), and a reconsideration process for challenging materials. The bill prohibits removing library materials, displays, or programs based on the creator's background, viewpoint, or protected characteristics like race, gender, or religion. Only removals for legitimate educational reasons (e.g., outdated content or lack of relevance) or following professionally accepted collection standards are permitted. This directly affects school boards, librarians, and parents/students who may request material reviews under the new process.

Maddy summaryHB 6078 requires colleges and universities to form campus committees - including student, administrative, and health care representatives - to assess whether emergency contraception vending machines are needed on their campuses. If a need is identified, the committee must develop an installation plan and apply for a one-time grant to cover costs, with applications due January 1, 2026. The Office of Higher Education will administer a grant program providing limited funding per vending machine, based on available funds and submitted plans. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with machines potentially becoming available starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 6915 bans the use of certain second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone) statewide starting October 1, 2025, affecting most residential, commercial, and general pest control uses. Key exceptions allow continued use for public health activities (e.g., water infrastructure protection, mosquito control), emergency rodent infestations requiring public health approval, specific facilities like medical waste sites and food production facilities, and agricultural operations in designated locations (warehouses, slaughterhouses, etc.). The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Commissioner to develop wildlife protection regulations and submit a 2027 report analyzing impacts on public health, agriculture, and federal compliance. This policy change directly affects pest control businesses, property managers, and agricultural operations while permitting limited uses for public health and critical infrastructure needs.

Maddy summarySB 1192 requires Connecticut's Office of the Healthcare Advocate to create an online portal by July 1, 2025, to help patients and families navigate hospital financial assistance programs that reduce their medical costs. The portal must include tools to streamline applications, eligibility screening, and resources to avoid future medical debt. Starting July 1, 2026, hospitals offering financial assistance programs must provide the Office with updated contact details (websites, phone numbers, emails) within 30 days of any changes. This bill directly affects patients seeking financial aid, hospitals with existing assistance programs, and the Office of the Healthcare Advocate, which will manage the portal and related information.

Maddy summaryHB 6916 bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on most public and private turf (like golf courses, lawns, and municipal properties) and for corn, wheat, and soybean crops starting January 1, 2028. It also prohibits selling or distributing neonicotinoid-treated agricultural seeds for these crops after January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is granted. The bill allows temporary exceptions for environmental emergencies (approved by the Environmental Protection Commissioner) and requires farmers seeking waivers for seed treatments to undergo pest risk assessments, complete integrated pest management training, and prove less harmful alternatives aren't feasible. These provisions directly affect property managers, municipalities, and farmers in Connecticut.