Rep. Nick Menapace

Maddy summaryHB 7133 expands parole eligibility for individuals convicted of crimes committed between ages 18 and 21. Currently, similar rules apply only to those convicted under 18 or before October 1, 2005, while under 21. The bill allows these offenders to become parole-eligible after serving 60% of their sentence (or 12 years, whichever is greater) for sentences of 10-50 years, or after 30 years for sentences exceeding 50 years. This change takes effect October 1, 2025, and applies only to sentences for crimes committed while the person was under 21.

Maddy summaryHB 7135 protects patients and healthcare providers in Connecticut who receive or provide reproductive and gender-affirming health care services permitted under Connecticut law. The bill allows individuals to recover damages if sued in another state for such services, even if the patient was not physically in Connecticut during treatment. It also strengthens patient privacy by prohibiting healthcare providers from disclosing records related to these services without written consent, and requires them to notify Connecticut's Attorney General if served with a subpoena for such information. The law applies to all covered healthcare entities and takes effect July 1, 2025.

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 6409 addresses delays in workers' compensation payments by requiring employers and insurers to follow specific procedures before stopping or reducing payments for injured workers. It mandates written notice to both the employee and the administrative law judge (including medical documentation) at least 15 days before any proposed cut, with a required hearing if the employee objects. The bill also extends these rules to prescription drugs and medical equipment, requiring similar notice and justification. Employers who bypass this process must pay all missed payments plus 1.25% monthly interest and the employee’s attorney fees. This directly affects injured workers, their representatives, employers, and insurers in Connecticut.

Maddy summarySB 1438 prohibits performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on anyone under 18 years old, making it a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. It directly affects minors under 18 and healthcare providers who perform non-medical procedures involving cutting or altering the labia or clitoris. The bill includes two key exceptions: medically necessary procedures by licensed physicians, or procedures during childbirth performed by licensed physicians, nurse-midwives, or trainees for birth-related medical purposes. Crucially, it explicitly states that procedures justified solely by cultural or ritual beliefs do not qualify as medical exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7229 modifies Connecticut election law to improve absentee voting access for people incarcerated in state correctional facilities. The bill requires the Secretary of State to create a special absentee ballot application form for correctional facilities, which must include a space for the inmate's facility mailing address. Municipal clerks must mail absentee voting sets to incarcerated applicants within 24 hours of receiving their applications (or immediately if submitted in person), and the Department of Correction must ensure ballots reach inmates transferred between facilities. This directly affects incarcerated voters by streamlining the process to receive and return absentee ballots without requiring them to leave custody.

Maddy summaryHB 7217 requires local school boards to include historical budget data in annual cost estimates for public schools. Specifically, school superintendents must provide boards with the original and actual spending amounts for each budget line item (like payroll, utilities, or supplies) from the two prior fiscal years, plus the current year's data. Municipal finance boards then have 10 days to suggest cost-saving measures, but school boards can reject these suggestions with written explanations. This bill directly affects school districts and town finance authorities by increasing transparency in school budget planning and spending oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 7076 modifies education laws to provide "mandate relief" primarily for students with special education needs. It extends the age for special education services from 21 to 22 (or until high school graduation, whichever comes first) and requires schools to begin transition planning two years before a student’s expected exit from school. The bill also updates school admission rules to allow early entry for children under five with parental request and developmental assessment. These changes directly affect public schools, students with special needs, and their families by streamlining transitions to adult services. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

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.