Rep. Irene Haines

Maddy summaryHB 7192, now Public Act 25-167, implements recommendations from a bipartisan drug task force. The law directs state agencies to adopt specific actions aimed at addressing drug policy, though the exact provisions are not detailed in the provided context. It affects state agencies responsible for drug prevention, treatment, and public health initiatives, as outlined by the task force's proposals. The bill was signed into law by the governor on July 8, 2025, making these recommendations official state policy.

Maddy summaryHB 7200 requires public schools and municipal buildings to provide bleeding control training and maintain emergency kits for severe bleeding incidents. It mandates that staff receive instruction on using tourniquets and hemostatic dressings to manage life-threatening wounds. The law applies to all public schools and high-traffic public facilities, replacing voluntary programs with mandatory requirements. Signed into law on June 30, 2025, it became Public Act 25-160.

Maddy summaryHB 7157 revises Connecticut's public health laws with four key provisions. It allows emergency medical personnel to administer epinephrine for severe allergic reactions using approved devices (like auto-injectors or nasal sprays) without physician authorization during emergencies. The bill also prohibits health systems from requiring patients to provide bank or payment details as a condition for appointments or care, though providers may still collect such information if patients voluntarily share it. Additionally, it mandates that physical therapists complete specific continuing education on mental health screening (PTSD, suicide risk) and ethics, with new requirements starting in 2022 and 2026. These changes directly affect patients, EMTs, physical therapists, and health care providers across Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 6883 protects the addresses of domestic violence and sexual assault victims living in shelters or transitional housing. It prohibits housing providers from disclosing these locations without the victim’s explicit consent. This law directly affects victims seeking safety and their housing providers, preventing abusers from locating them through address sharing. The key provision requires confidentiality around housing addresses to enhance victim safety. The bill became law after Governor’s signature on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1239 creates the Fallen Hero Fund to provide ongoing health insurance coverage for surviving spouses and dependents of first responders (like police, firefighters, and EMTs) who die while performing their duties. The bill establishes a permanent program where the fund covers the full cost of health insurance premiums for these survivors. This law, now Public Act 25-61 after being signed by the governor on June 10, 2025, directly affects the families of fallen first responders by ensuring they maintain health coverage without out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryHB 6771 establishes a state task force to develop Alzheimer's and dementia care policies, directly affecting patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis and creates new rules for residential care home transfers, discharges, and emergency closures. The bill also provides tuition waivers for nursing home residents taking courses at local community-technical colleges. Signed into law as Public Act 25-16 on June 3, 2025, it mandates concrete policy changes for dementia care access and facility operations.

Maddy summaryHB 7175 creates a 20% tax credit for eligible farmers who purchase or build qualifying farm machinery, equipment, and buildings after January 1, 2026. To qualify, farmers must earn at least two-thirds of their total income from farming above $30,000, and the property must be used for farming in the state for at least five years. The credit applies to machinery and equipment bought after 2026, as well as qualifying buildings constructed or placed in service after that date, provided they are not leased or acquired from related parties. Farmers, or owners of pass-through entities like S corporations, can claim the credit against state income tax, with unused portions refunded by the state.

Maddy summaryHB 7055 creates two key tax provisions. First, it allows municipalities to establish property tax abatements for the primary residence of surviving domestic partners of police officers, firefighters, or EMTs who die while on duty (effective October 1, 2025). Second, it adds a personal income tax deduction for stipends paid to volunteer firefighters, volunteer fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members (effective January 1, 2026). These changes directly affect surviving domestic partners of certain first responders and volunteer emergency personnel. The bill modifies existing statutes to provide specific tax relief without altering general tax rates or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 6091 requires Connecticut's Department of Social Services to stop denying Medicaid pharmacy reimbursements based on data extrapolation from minor clerical or technical errors in audits. It mandates that pharmacies receive confirmation of all notices (like billing alerts) and creates a real-time, accessible database showing which drugs are approved for the state's preferred drug list. The bill also establishes a formal grievance process by October 1, 2025, allowing pharmacies to challenge reimbursements that don't cover their actual cost to dispense drugs to Medicaid patients. This directly affects community pharmacies participating in Connecticut's Medicaid program.

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.