Rep. Kerry Wood

Maddy summarySB 282 requires Connecticut towns and cities to establish veteran oversight committees by January 2027 to monitor the care of veterans' graves from pre-1776 conflicts through modern U.S. military service. It mandates electronic complaint systems for both public cemeteries (managed by towns) and private cemeteries (e.g., nonprofit associations), with towns posting complaint addresses online. The bill also creates a grant program through the Department of Consumer Protection, providing funds to municipalities for grave maintenance costs starting October 2026. These provisions directly affect local governments, cemetery operators, and the ongoing upkeep of veterans' graves across Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 5340 establishes a new program to expand access to residential renewable energy by requiring electric distribution companies to offer tariffs for purchasing energy from small-scale, on-premise renewable systems (under 25 kilowatts). It directly affects low-income residential customers and those in affordable housing developments (defined as households earning ≤60% of area median income or meeting specific housing affordability criteria). The bill mandates the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to create this program by July 2027, setting rates and terms that consider grid reliability, installation costs, and benefits to both participants and non-participants. The program will allow residential customers to sell excess renewable energy back to utilities under standardized terms for up to 20 years.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Small Business Affairs within Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development to provide dedicated support to small businesses, with particular focus on those owned by minorities and economically disadvantaged individuals. The office will coordinate existing state programs, serve as a central contact point for business owners seeking financial and technical assistance, and maintain an updated online resource directory. A designated employee will offer concierge services to help small businesses navigate available economic development projects and programs. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and requires an annual budget of approximately $109,500 in the first year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to create a plan for an artificial intelligence small business program. The program aims to help small businesses adopt AI technology to improve productivity and product or service quality while fostering a competitive environment for AI development. The department must submit a report on the plan by January 1, 2027, including recommendations for any additional laws needed to implement it. The bill defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions affecting real or virtual environments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily choose supporters who help them understand and communicate their personal and financial decisions without removing their decision-making authority. The law requires a written agreement signed by the adult, their chosen supporters, and two witnesses, and mandates that businesses, government agencies, medical providers, and schools must recognize and respect these agreements. Supporters can assist with accessing information, making appointments, and advocating for the adult's wishes, but they are prohibited from making decisions on behalf of the adult or exerting undue influence. The Department of Aging and Disability Services will create a program to educate adults and families about this option, and third parties who rely on these agreements in good faith will be protected from liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definition of intellectual disability used by the Department of Developmental Services to align with the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual, which will affect eligibility for state-administered services starting July 1, 2026. It includes a protection clause ensuring that people currently receiving services will not lose benefits or face reduced services due to changes in eligibility criteria resulting from this definition update. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Developmental Services to review and potentially adjust eligibility criteria by December 1, 2026, after consulting with stakeholders and studying best practices from other states. A report detailing recommendations, expected impacts on eligible populations, and associated costs must be submitted to the General Assembly committees overseeing human services and appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 5243 authorizes Connecticut to issue up to $8 million in state bonds for economic development in the greater Mystic area (Groton and Stonington). The funds will finance specific projects including dock/pier improvements, parking garage construction, shuttle boat service, and riverwalk enhancements. These projects aim to boost local economic activity and tourism infrastructure. The bonds are general state obligations, repaid through state appropriations, with funding effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 87 creates a Nonprofit Provider Advisory Board within the Office of Policy and Management to advise state leaders on improving nonprofit services and efficiency. The board, appointed by the governor and including agency commissioners, will focus on enhancing nonprofit financial viability, streamlining state processes, and developing standardized data collection for nonprofit impact. The bill also includes two key protections: insurers cannot deny auto insurance renewals or increase rates for volunteer drivers serving nonprofits, and health insurers cannot retroactively deny claims for covered services after 12 months. These provisions directly affect nonprofit organizations, their volunteer drivers, and healthcare providers by creating advisory structures and safeguarding against insurance penalties.

Maddy summarySB 306 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop a Comprehensive Energy Strategy every four years (starting October 1, 2020), which must address all state energy needs (electricity, heating, cooling, transportation), meet greenhouse gas reduction goals, and incorporate existing energy plans. The strategy must include cost assessments, public input through meetings and a 60-day comment period, and analyze natural gas expansion, efficiency goals, and rate impacts. It directly affects state agencies, utilities (via the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority's comments), and residents through potential energy cost and service changes. The bill mandates specific content and public engagement procedures but does not create new funding or impose direct costs on individuals.

Maddy summarySB 305 establishes a working group to study Connecticut's statewide tourism marketing and investment strategies, aiming to position the state as a top destination for leisure and business travelers. The group, composed of legislative leaders, state agency officials, tourism council members, and hospitality representatives, will review current efforts and make recommendations. It must submit a final report to the legislature by January 1, 2027, after which the group will terminate. This bill does not allocate funding or change existing tourism policies, but rather creates a structured review process.