Rep. Kerry Wood

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 7260 prohibits driving over 100 miles per hour on public highways, municipal roads, parking areas with 10+ spaces, private roads with established speed limits, or school property. It creates a new offense ("excessive reckless driving") with higher penalties than existing reckless driving laws: first-time violators face $200-$600 fines or up to 30 days in jail, while repeat offenders could be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to one year. For repeat offenders (those previously convicted of this offense), police must tow the vehicle for 48 hours, requiring owners to pay towing/storage costs to reclaim it. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies to all drivers operating vehicles on specified roads or properties.

Maddy summaryHB 7258 requires Connecticut's Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to study whether setting specific blood THC (cannabis) and psilocybin levels would allow for automatic legal presumption of driving under the influence, similar to current blood alcohol content limits for alcohol. The study must examine approaches used in Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, and Washington, and report findings with recommendations by February 1, 2026. This bill does not create new laws or penalties but prepares the state for potential future policy decisions regarding cannabis and psilocybin impairment. It directly affects future legislative and regulatory decisions about DUI standards, not current drivers. The study has no anticipated fiscal impact as it uses existing department expertise.

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 6278 requires manufacturers and contract testing facilities to use scientifically validated alternatives to animal testing (such as computer models or cell-based methods) when available, starting October 1, 2025, with exceptions for certain medical research. It also mandates phased biodiesel blending in retail diesel fuel: 5% by July 2025, 10% by July 2027, and 20% by July 2029 during April-November. State fleet vehicles must meet 5% biodiesel by July 2025 and 20% by July 2027 during the same months. The bill directly affects chemical manufacturers, testing facilities, and diesel fuel sellers across Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 7069 requires Connecticut police officers to undergo a behavioral health assessment by a union-approved mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker with PTSD expertise) at least once every five years. This applies to all officers in law enforcement units, with new hires needing an assessment within six months of joining. Assessments cannot access medical records, and results are confidential - shared only with the officer and their department head, not included in medical records or used for fitness evaluations. The law also allows departments to require additional assessments for "good cause" with written justification, while exempting officers retiring within six months of a scheduled assessment. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

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 summaryThis bill revises Connecticut's rules for colored or flashing lights on vehicles. It requires permits for most non-government vehicles using blue lights (for volunteer fire/ambulance members), red lights (for fire chiefs/emergency officials), or yellow lights (for maintenance/oversize vehicle escorts), with a $20 annual fee for non-government users. Government-owned vehicles (state, local, fire departments) are exempt from permits and fees. The law specifically allows volunteer fire/ambulance members to use blue lights on their personal vehicles when responding to emergencies, with department records kept on file. It does not change penalties for traffic violations or address the other topics listed in the bill's title.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Congress to amend the Jones Act to exempt domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation between U.S. ports. It specifically targets the requirement that vessels moving cargo between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and crewed by Americans, which currently limits LNG tanker availability. The resolution argues this exemption would address high LNG costs (up to 30% higher) and supply shortages affecting Connecticut (65% of electricity from natural gas) and Puerto Rico (23% of electricity). As a memorial resolution, it does not change law but formally requests congressional action to modify the Jones Act for domestic LNG transport.

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.