Rep. Devin Carney

Maddy summaryHB 5127 would create a state-operated recovery school in Connecticut for high school students (grades 9-12) recovering from substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health disorders. The State Board of Education must establish this school to provide specialized educational and treatment services tailored to students in recovery. The bill directly affects students facing these health challenges by offering a dedicated learning environment separate from traditional schools. It mandates a new state-level program rather than modifying existing schools or policies. The law focuses on creating a specific educational pathway for this student group, with no additional funding or operational details specified in the text.

Maddy summaryHB 5148 eliminates the requirement for payers to deduct and withhold personal income tax from lump-sum pension payments and annuity distributions. This directly affects retirees receiving such lump-sum payments, as they will no longer have taxes automatically withheld at the source. The bill amends Section 12-705 of the general statutes to remove this withholding obligation, meaning retirees will handle tax payments directly instead of having them deducted upfront. The change simplifies tax handling for these payments but does not alter the tax rate or liability for recipients.

Maddy summaryHB 5155 redirects all sales and use tax revenue from alcohol sales in the state to three specific state programs. It allocates funds to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for treatment programs, the State Police Division for drunk driving prevention, and a new recovery school for students managing substance use or co-occurring disorders. The bill does not create new taxes but changes how existing alcohol tax revenue is spent, directly affecting these state agencies and the recovery school's operations. This policy change ensures dedicated funding for addiction support, road safety, and educational recovery services.

Maddy summaryHB 5212 requires the Police Officer Standards and Training Council to revise Connecticut's statewide police pursuit policy. The bill would mandate that officers must be able to articulate a specific public safety need before pursuing a motor vehicle. This change directly affects police officers conducting vehicle pursuits across all Connecticut law enforcement agencies. The policy shift focuses on requiring officers to justify pursuit decisions based on immediate safety concerns, rather than automatically pursuing all fleeing vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 5198 would amend state law to allow parents or guardians to exempt children from school immunization requirements based on moral or philosophical objections, in addition to existing medical exemptions. This change would directly affect students enrolled in public and private schools, as well as their families who currently face limited exemption options. The bill’s key provision adds "moral or philosophical objection" as a formal category for exemption, requiring families to submit a written statement to school officials. It does not alter vaccine requirements or medical standards but expands the grounds for opting out of mandated immunizations.

Maddy summaryHJ 5 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all political parties in the state to hold open primaries. This means voters who are not registered with any political party (unenrolled electors) would be allowed to participate in any party's primary election to select candidates. The bill directly affects unaffiliated voters and political parties by changing how primary elections are conducted. If passed, it would amend the state constitution to mandate this open primary system for all parties. The resolution is a procedural step to seek voter approval for this constitutional change.

Maddy summaryHB 5079 would exempt health and athletic club services (like gym memberships and fitness classes) and related fees from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects health clubs, fitness centers, and athletic facilities, as well as their customers who would no longer pay tax on these services. The bill amends the tax code to create this specific exemption, removing the tax obligation for these businesses and lowering costs for members. The exemption applies only to health and athletic club services, leaving all other taxes and services unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 5080 (2025) allows taxpayers to voluntarily pay more than the amount owed on their personal income tax return. This bill amends Connecticut’s tax code to permit additional payments beyond the required tax liability. It directly affects all individual taxpayers who file personal income tax returns in Connecticut. The provision creates no new tax obligations or benefits but simply enables taxpayers to make extra payments if desired. (This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes beyond enabling voluntary overpayments.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJ 3) proposes a constitutional amendment to limit service terms for certain state elected officials. It would restrict state legislators (senators and representatives) and constitutional officers (such as the governor or attorney general) to a maximum of twelve years total in their respective offices. The amendment would change the state constitution to establish this 12-year cap, applying to all future service in those positions. The resolution is a procedural proposal seeking voter approval to amend the state constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 5102 prohibits Connecticut substance abuse treatment facilities from denying admission to individuals who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of admission. This policy change directly affects treatment facilities and people seeking immediate care for substance use disorders. The bill amends state law to remove a barrier that previously allowed facilities to refuse entry to those in acute need. Its purpose is to expand access to treatment by ensuring no one is turned away based solely on current intoxication.