Rep. Gary Turco

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits after 14 consecutive days of strike, effective for labor disputes beginning December 14, 2026. Currently, most striking workers are ineligible for benefits during labor disputes. The change applies to workers not involved in the dispute (e.g., non-union employees) or who have not participated in the strike for 14+ days, but excludes situations involving employer lockouts. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, though the eligibility rule starts in 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 35 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the state's equal protection clause by explicitly prohibiting sex discrimination that includes pregnancy (including decisions about pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and related health care. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this amendment would require all state laws and government actions to comply with these expanded protections. The resolution must secure a three-quarters majority vote in both legislative chambers to appear on the 2026 general election ballot for voter approval.

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 summarySB 1300 allows spouses (and other caregivers) to be paid for providing personal care to elderly individuals enrolled in Connecticut’s state-funded home care program. It directly affects seniors aged 65+ who receive state-funded home care but are ineligible for Medicaid, and their spouses who assist with care. The bill adds a new provision requiring the Commissioner of Social Services to establish training and documentation rules for caregivers to qualify for compensation. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing eligibility rules or income requirements for the program.

Maddy summaryHB 6912 establishes a state Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Task Force to examine the needs of individuals with these conditions and their caregivers, along with available services and healthcare capacity. The task force must develop a comprehensive State Alzheimer's Plan covering long-term care options, family caregiver support, early detection strategies, healthcare provider availability, home-based services, and public awareness initiatives. The plan will specifically address fiscal impacts on public health programs, dementia care costs, training requirements for healthcare workers, and safety needs. The task force, composed of 11 governor-appointed members (including people living with early-stage dementia and family caregivers) plus state agency representatives, must complete its work by October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6936 requires Connecticut's Department of Social Services to provide state-funded Medicaid coverage for room and board costs for individuals enrolled in Medicaid who receive inpatient addiction treatment. It directly affects Medicaid enrollees in residential substance use disorder treatment programs by covering previously uncovered costs. The bill allows the commissioner to amend the state's Medicaid plan or waiver to make these room and board costs eligible for Medicaid reimbursement under federal law. This creates a permanent state-funded coverage mechanism for these expenses, building on existing Medicaid support for addiction treatment services.

Maddy summaryHB 6986 establishes a "Senior Citizens' Bill of Rights" for all state residents aged 65 or older, affording them five specific rights: the right to live where they choose, maintain independence, participate in care decisions, live with dignity, and be treated respectfully as their authentic selves. The bill requires state-licensed nursing homes, managed residential communities, and elder care facilities to post these rights in 14-point type at their entrances, while municipalities may choose to display them publicly. It clarifies that these rights must be implemented within existing state, federal, and constitutional frameworks, with no new costs or programs required. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and has no fiscal impact on state or local governments per the analysis.

Maddy summarySB 955 requires state agencies, local governments, and state contractors to provide language assistance services to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP), ensuring equitable access to public services. It mandates conducting language needs assessments using census data, offering translation and interpretation services in identified community languages (like Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic), and using plain language for all public communications. Health care facilities receiving state funding must also provide language services for medical appointments and health-related materials. The bill aims to remove language barriers in government services and health care without advocating for or against the policy.

Maddy summaryHB 5112 prohibits pet stores from buying or obtaining dogs, cats, or rabbits for sale starting October 1, 2025. This directly affects pet store owners who must stop purchasing these animals, though they may still host licensed animal shelters for adoption events under strict conditions. The law allows pet stores to provide space for 501(c)(3) shelters to showcase animals for adoption without compensation, but bans any sale or transfer of these animals by stores. Violations carry a maximum $500 fine. The bill does not restrict private breeders or pet owners.

Maddy summarySB 1176 allocates $115,000 annually from the General Fund for hiring regional ombudsmen at the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and $390,000 annually to fund one additional service navigator per agency at five Area Agencies on Aging. The funding covers fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and 2027, starting July 1, 2025. This bill directly supports staffing for two specific state agencies that assist seniors with long-term care and aging services. It provides dedicated funding without altering existing laws or creating new requirements.