Rep. Kate Farrar

Maddy summaryHB 7099 creates a state-funded fellowship program for journalism graduates from public colleges and universities. It requires the Office of Higher Education to fund at least 12 annual fellowships at local news organizations, mandating mentorship, hands-on work experience, and professional networking for participants. To qualify, applicants must graduate from a journalism program at a public in-state institution and receive approval from the hosting news outlet. The program begins July 1, 2025, with funding details and application materials posted online by September 1, 2025. This directly supports journalism graduates seeking entry-level roles while helping local news organizations retain talent.

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 5978 creates a refundable tax credit for news organizations covering local communities in the state. It provides $15,000 per existing journalist employed by such an organization and $25,000 per new journalist hired in the state, with a maximum credit of $150,000 per organization. The credit directly benefits local news outlets struggling to maintain staff, particularly those expanding coverage through new hires. This policy change aims to support community journalism by reducing operational costs through direct financial assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 5986 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (up to three children) against personal income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families filing taxes, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive the full amount even if their tax liability is zero. This policy provides direct cash support to qualifying households with children, reducing their overall tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 6418 requires owners of local news organizations primarily serving communities in the state to provide 120 days' advance notice to both employees and community members before selling the organization to an entity not incorporated in the state. This bill directly affects owners of local news outlets (like community newspapers or radio stations) that serve specific towns or regions within the state. The key provision mandates this notice period for any sale to an out-of-state entity, aiming to give affected workers and residents time to respond. It does not restrict sales but requires transparency about the transaction.

Maddy summaryHB 6811 establishes a pilot program to prevent the "benefits cliff," where low-income individuals or families suddenly lose critical public benefits (like healthcare or housing assistance) when their income rises slightly above a threshold. It requires state agencies - including Social Services, Early Childhood, Labor, and Housing - to collaborate on this program based on recommendations from a prior report (Special Act 24-8). The pilot will test strategies to phase out benefits gradually as income increases, ensuring continued support without abrupt cuts. This directly affects low-income residents in Connecticut who rely on public benefits but face financial instability due to current eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 6752 adjusts key budget calculation rules to refine how the state manages spending limits. It changes the inflation measure used for budget adjustments to include all items (not just seasonal averages), excludes certain retirement system payments from budget calculations, and requires the Treasurer to include economic impact analyses for bond projects. These changes directly affect the state's budgeting process, altering how spending caps and revenue transfers are calculated. The bill aims to make budget adjustments more stable and transparent by updating specific financial formulas and adding analysis requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 6480 prevents the Connecticut Lottery Corporation from publicly sharing the names of lottery winners without their explicit consent. It directly affects winners who have not provided permission for their identities to be disclosed. The bill requires the lottery to obtain written consent before publishing any winner's name, changing current practice. This policy shift prioritizes winner privacy by making consent mandatory for public disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 6596 prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) within Connecticut and requires the Department of Public Health to create an education program about its prevention. The bill explicitly bans the practice, directly affecting individuals who perform or facilitate FGM, including medical professionals and cultural practitioners. It also allows victims or their representatives to file civil lawsuits seeking remedies for harm caused by FGM. These provisions aim to prevent the practice through legal prohibition, public education, and civil enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 6711 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Transportation to allocate state staffing and funding for Complete Streets projects, as defined by federal law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Section 11206). It directly affects municipalities by providing grants and incentives to develop or finalize Complete Streets projects and prioritization plans. The bill mandates state support for initiatives that improve safety and mobility for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. This policy change aims to build healthier communities through safer, more accessible transportation infrastructure.