Rep. Amy Morrin Bello

Maddy summaryHB 6044 requires the Commissioner of Administrative Services to study whether venues receiving state funding should be mandated to provide accessible seating for visually impaired patrons near performance areas. The study must examine which venues would be affected, potential costs, and compliance barriers, with a report due to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This is a procedural bill focused solely on gathering data, not implementing new requirements. The study will cost $750,000 in fiscal year 2026, funded by the General Fund, to hire outside consultants since the agency lacks expertise. It directly affects state-funded venues but does not change current accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryHB 6229 bans polystyrene foodware (like foam containers) and most single-use plastic items (including straws, stirrers, and food accessories) for food vendors, government agencies, schools, and businesses starting July 1, 2027. Exceptions include biodegradable straws provided upon request (especially for people with disabilities) and specific packaging uses like pre-sealed food or meat storage. The bill also requires state/municipal buildings and schools to install reusable water bottle filling stations when replacing drinking fountains, effective January 2027. A task force will study sustainable alternatives and report by February 2026, but the law itself focuses on direct restrictions and infrastructure changes.

Maddy summaryHB 6937 expands Medicaid coverage to include diapers deemed medically necessary for children under age three. It requires a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice nurse to certify that diapers are needed to prevent or treat severe skin infections, urinary tract issues, or conditions like developmental delays that cause frequent soiling. The state must amend its Medicaid plan by July 2025 and report by September 2026 on the number of qualifying children, annual costs (estimated at $20 million+), and potential savings from preventing related health issues. This directly affects Medicaid-eligible children under three with qualifying medical conditions, not general diaper coverage.

Maddy summarySB 1502 allows courts to consider sentence reductions for individuals convicted of felonies who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. It directly affects defendants who can provide documented evidence (like court records, protective orders, or professional affidavits) showing their trauma was a contributing factor in their offense. The bill requires courts to review such requests before sentencing, using specific evidence standards outlined in the law. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all felony convictions after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 7212 prohibits state law enforcement officers, bail commissioners, school security personnel, and related agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in specific ways. It directly affects police departments, correctional facilities, school security, and court personnel by banning actions like sharing release dates, home/work addresses, or allowing ICE interviews in custody facilities. Key provisions forbid providing "ICE access" (such as notification of release times, nonpublic data, or facility use for immigration enforcement) while clarifying that routine fingerprinting or database checks for arrests remain permitted. The bill aims to limit state-level collaboration with federal immigration enforcement under the defined restrictions.

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 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 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 summaryHB 5240 requires landscaping businesses to place traffic cones around vehicles with trailers when parked on public highways. The cones must meet federal standards outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and be positioned per those guidelines. Violating this rule is classified as an infraction, punishable by a $100-$300 fine, not a criminal offense. The law takes effect on October 1, 2025, and directly affects commercial landscaping operators using trailer-equipped vehicles on public roads.

Maddy summaryHB 6889 protects specific tenants from no-cause evictions in multi-unit buildings (5+ units) or mobile home parks. It applies to seniors (62+), people with qualifying disabilities, or tenants who've lived there 13+ months. Landlords may only evict for reasons like nonpayment, serious lease violations affecting health/safety, or specific "for personal use" scenarios (requiring 90-day notice and proof no other units are available). The bill also requires rent increases for protected tenants to be "fair and equitable," with disputes resolved through local commissions or courts. It takes effect October 1, 2025.