Rep. Kate Farrar

Maddy summaryHB 5772 requires the state to automatically adjust income tax thresholds annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It directly affects taxpayers whose income falls near the boundary between tax brackets, preventing them from moving into higher tax brackets solely due to inflation. The key provision mandates that these thresholds be recalibrated each year using the CPI to reflect rising costs. This change ensures tax brackets stay aligned with inflation without requiring new annual legislation. The bill applies to the state's personal income tax system.

Maddy summaryHB 5771 would impose a 5% surcharge on net gains from selling investments (like stocks or property) and on dividend/interest income for Connecticut taxpayers with adjusted gross income meeting the threshold for the state's highest tax rate. It directly affects high-income earners who already pay Connecticut's top marginal tax rate. The surcharge applies only to investment gains and income above the income level defined in existing law for the top tax bracket. This would increase tax liability specifically on investment earnings for this income group, without changing other tax rates or brackets.

Maddy summaryHB 5557 designates the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar's month of Kartik each year as "Diwali, the Festival of Lights" for official recognition. This procedural bill amends state statutes to formally acknowledge Diwali as an annual observance without creating new policies, funding, or obligations. It directly affects state records and official calendars by specifying the date for ceremonial recognition. The bill has no substantive impact on residents, businesses, or government operations beyond this symbolic designation.

Maddy summaryHB 5471 would expand Connecticut's HUSKY health program to include immigrants without legal status who are 26 years old or younger, or 65 years old and older. Currently, immigration status bars these groups from the program, but the bill removes that barrier while maintaining existing income and residency requirements. It does not change other eligibility criteria but adds these specific age groups to the list of qualifying immigrants. This change would allow more low-income immigrants in these age ranges to access state-funded health benefits if they meet the program's standard requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5430 would expand Connecticut's HUSKY Health program to cover all income-eligible children and young adults up to age 26, regardless of their immigration status. This bill directly affects low-income youth who currently face barriers to health coverage due to immigration status. The key change is removing immigration status as a requirement for eligibility under HUSKY Health, ensuring income-eligible young people can access state-funded health coverage. The bill amends Title 17b of Connecticut's general statutes to implement this change.

Maddy summaryHB 5419 would increase Connecticut's earned income tax credit to 41.5% of the federal credit and expand eligibility to include households earning under 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. This change would directly benefit low-income working families and individuals who currently earn too much to qualify under the existing threshold. The bill modifies existing law to both raise the credit percentage and lower the income limit for claiming the state tax credit. It does not alter the federal credit amount or change other eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5280 requires long-term care insurance companies to provide detailed disclosures about reinsurance contracts when seeking premium increases. It mandates full refunds for policyholders who haven’t filed claims after five years of coverage, and sets conditions for rate increases - including requiring insurers to prove they sold enough policies to cover losses and prohibiting increases exceeding promised amounts. The bill also requires insurers to submit loss data with rate applications. These provisions directly affect policyholders and insurers by increasing transparency and limiting rate hikes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Sexual Assault Criminal Justice Response, Enhancement and Model Policy Advisory Council to evaluate and improve how Connecticut handles sexual assault cases. The council will examine current practices by law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and correctional facilities, including data accuracy, risk assessments, and training for officials. It establishes a diverse group of members appointed by government leaders, including representatives from police, victim advocates, and community organizations, to guide these efforts. The council is tasked with developing a new model policy by July 2025 and updating it annually, which will then be distributed to all law enforcement units in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program to help people gradually lose government benefits as their earnings increase, rather than losing all support at once. It directly affects recipients of state assistance programs such as temporary family aid, food stamps, child care subsidies, and rental assistance. Under the plan, selected participants would see their benefits reduced slowly over time once their income exceeds eligibility limits, aiming to encourage work without causing a sudden financial drop. The program must follow federal rules and conclude by September 1, 2025, with a final report detailing how many people participated and whether the approach helped them become more financially independent.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for the Independent Consumer Advocate, a role designed to protect the interests of customers served by the Metropolitan District of Hartford County. The new provisions allow the Advocate to independently represent consumers in matters involving rates, water quality, and wastewater services, with all related costs covered by the district. To ensure independence, the Advocate must be a lawyer appointed by an external Consumer Counsel rather than the district's board, and the Advocate has the right to access district records and legal experts. The bill also requires the Advocate to submit quarterly activity reports and hold an annual public forum to gather feedback from the community.