Rep. Amy Morrin Bello

Maddy summaryHB 5389 requires Connecticut's Department of Public Health to create a practical, evidence-based toolkit for healthcare providers treating menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause symptoms. The toolkit, developed with UConn Health Center's input, will cover symptom identification, treatment options (including hormone therapies), insurance coverage details, and continuing education modules. It directly affects providers in fields like obstetrics, primary care, mental health, and dentistry who diagnose or treat these conditions. The toolkit must be distributed to all relevant providers by January 1, 2027, with development beginning by October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to provide diapers at no cost to children three years old or younger from households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The program would be administered by the Department of Social Services and funded through a one million dollar appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Funds would support partnerships between hospital organizations and nonprofit diaper distributors to deliver diapers statewide. The bill also requires recipients to submit reports on distribution numbers, unmet need estimates, health impacts, and future funding recommendations by September 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5002 updates Connecticut's foundational education funding formula. It sets a base funding amount of $11,525 per student for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024-2026, then adjusts this amount annually based on the higher of personal income growth or inflation (as defined in state law) for all subsequent years. This change directly affects public school districts statewide by altering how state education funding is calculated and distributed. The bill does not modify specific programs for special education or early childhood services, as referenced in its title, but updates the core funding mechanism used to determine district allocations. The new formula takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 377 creates a personal income tax deduction in Connecticut for military personnel who receive compensation for serving on funeral honor guard details. It directly affects active-duty and reserve military members who are paid for this duty, allowing them to deduct that specific compensation from their taxable income. The deduction applies to amounts already counted as federal taxable income, reducing Connecticut tax liability for this income. The change takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5306 allows courts to reduce sentences for individuals convicted of felonies who were survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, provided the abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. Defendants must submit documented proof (such as court records, protective orders, or counselor affidavits) demonstrating their survivor status and the abuse's role in the crime. Courts must then determine if the abuse was a contributing factor before applying sentence reductions. This applies to all felony convictions where the abuse contributed to the offense, without requiring it to be the sole cause, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Connecticut's existing anti-discrimination statute with new provisions specifically addressing pregnancy-related discrimination. It directly affects pregnant employees and employers by requiring reasonable accommodations (like modified schedules, breaks, or light duty) and prohibiting termination or denial of leave due to pregnancy. Key mechanisms include defining "pregnancy" broadly to cover childbirth and lactation, clarifying "reasonable accommodation," and establishing standards for "undue hardship" based on employer resources. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and explicitly prohibits employment discrimination based on pregnancy in hiring, promotion, or terms of employment. (Note: The bill title mentions "nondisclosure agreements," but the text focuses solely on pregnancy protections; the title appears inaccurate based on the provided content.)

Maddy summarySB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires voter registrars in Connecticut to notify political committees, candidate committees, and referendum committees at least 14 days before any election, primary, or referendum about whether poll books will be paper-based or electronic. The law directly affects these committees by informing them of the voting method used to check electors at polling places or early voting locations. Registrars who fail to provide this notice face a fine of at least $50. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027, and aim to increase transparency about how voter checklists will be processed during elections.

Maddy summaryHB 5322 establishes an endometriosis working group within Connecticut's Legislative Department to evaluate current methods for diagnosing, treating, and educating healthcare providers about endometriosis. The group, appointed by the House chairperson of the human services committee, will assess best practices and provide recommendations to improve care for patients. It must submit annual reports starting January 1, 2027, to relevant legislative committees on public health and human services. This bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on studying existing approaches to address endometriosis care gaps.

Maddy summarySB 395 establishes a task force to study strategies for achieving 100% voter participation in the state by 2030, including examining policies requiring voting as a civic duty and assessing election administration needs. The task force, composed of legislative leaders, state officials, and gubernatorial appointees, must report findings and recommendations by February 2027, including potential funding for municipal efforts. The bill also authorizes local governments to create pilot programs - within existing resources - to boost voter engagement, such as outreach campaigns, without mandating new voting requirements. It focuses on research and local experimentation, not direct policy changes to election laws.