Rep. Gary Turco

Maddy summaryHB 7226 requires insurers to provide clear advance notice to policyholders about potential premium increases exceeding 10% and hold public hearings for such requests. It mandates that insurers maintain a 60% minimum loss ratio (premiums collected vs. claims paid) and spread large rate hikes (20%+) over at least three years, while offering policyholders options to reduce benefits or choose more affordable coverage. The bill also links eligibility for state contracts (over $100,000 annually) to insurers’ compliance with these rules, requiring bidders to certify no recent violations of the law. These provisions directly affect long-term care policyholders through enhanced transparency and insurers through stricter pricing and reporting requirements.

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 summaryHB 6240 requires Connecticut pet stores selling dogs or cats to provide a certificate of origin for each animal, detailing the breeder's and prior seller's name and address. This information must be posted visibly to customers, given to buyers at purchase, and filed with the state Department of Agriculture within seven days. The bill prohibits pet stores from purchasing animals from breeders or sellers with direct federal animal welfare violations or three or more health-related indirect violations in the past three years (extended from two years). Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per day, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense. The Department of Agriculture must annually report animal origins and violations to the Environment Committee by February 1.

Maddy summaryHB 7125 requires municipalities to present proposed charter or home rule ordinance amendments on ballots using clear, plain language that avoids advocacy. It mandates separate ballot items for specific changes, such as election methods, official terms, residency rules, or new boards, to ensure voters understand each distinct provision. The bill also updates voting thresholds, allowing approval by a majority at regular elections or 15% of registered voters at special elections. This applies directly to all Connecticut municipalities holding referendums on local governance changes, effective July 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 6942 establishes a state-funded radon mitigation program for low-income households in Connecticut. The bill creates a "Healthy Homes Fund" within the Department of Housing to cover the cost of removing or fixing radon hazards in homes, specifically targeting households earning at or below 80% of the state's median income. The program will be administered by the Department of Housing, using dedicated funds from existing remittance accounts, with annual reports required for legislative oversight. This policy directly affects eligible homeowners by providing financial assistance to address a known health risk (radon gas) in their residences. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6953 requires all Connecticut municipalities to provide police officers and firefighters with a defined pension plan by June 30, 2027, either through the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) or a comparable alternative offering equal or better benefits. This affects approximately 87 municipalities that currently do not offer such pensions to these public safety workers, with an estimated annual cost of $98.6 million if all enroll in MERS. The bill mandates municipalities to transition employees from existing retirement systems into compliant plans, while directing the Comptroller to study transition requirements and submit a report by January 1, 2026. The legislation imposes a state-mandated cost on local governments without requiring new state funding.

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.

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.