Rep. Nick Menapace

Maddy summaryHB 6923 requires Connecticut public school districts to adopt annual policies limiting student use of "smart devices" (defined as internet-connected phones, wearables, or portable tech) starting July 1, 2025. These policies must follow guidance from the state Department of Education and apply in addition to existing rules allowing schools to restrict cell phones. The bill does not ban devices outright but mandates that school boards develop rules considering student engagement, mental health, and communication needs. It affects all public school students in Connecticut and has no fiscal impact on schools, as districts can use existing resources to implement the policy.

Maddy summaryHB 7077 requires Connecticut public schools to replace one quarterly fire drill with a standardized crisis response drill starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates the state Department of Emergency Services to develop a clear definition, standardized terminology, trauma-informed response protocols, and an evaluation template for these drills by April 2026. It specifically prohibits active shooter simulations with sensory elements (like fake weapons or blood) during student drills, requires age-appropriate pre-drill education, advance parent notification in their native language, and ensures accommodations for students with disabilities. The law also requires schools to prioritize psychological safety through mental health professional involvement and post-drill debriefings.

Maddy summarySB 1236 exempts certain solar installation and maintenance work from standard electrical licensing requirements in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2026. It directly affects solar contractors, installers, and workers performing specific solar-related tasks, such as mounting racks, installing panels, and setting ground supports. The bill creates a new exemption (section 17) allowing licensed solar contractors and their employees to handle uncrating, hoisting, placement, and anchoring of solar equipment without full electrical licensing. This streamlines the process for small-scale residential solar installations by removing licensing barriers for defined installation activities. The change applies only to work limited to these specific solar tasks, not broader electrical work.

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.

Maddy summarySB 830 requires employers in outdoor industries (like agriculture, construction, and landscaping) to provide shade, drinking water, and rest breaks when temperatures exceed 80°F. Specifically, it mandates shade areas large enough for all workers to sit comfortably without contact, 32 ounces of water per hour (80 ounces if wearing protective gear), and 5-minute breaks in shade to prevent overheating. At 90°F or higher, employers must add communication checks, monitor workers for heat symptoms, and have emergency plans for serious heat conditions. The law applies to outdoor workplaces and takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1467 requires the state education commissioner to review all costs charged by providers of special education services - including regional centers and private providers - to local school districts. The review will examine how rates are set, reasons for rapid increases, rate variances between districts, equity in service access, and the feasibility of a diagnosis-based fee system. It mandates a report to lawmakers by February 15, 2026, summarizing findings and potential policy recommendations. This bill directly affects school districts paying for special education services and the providers delivering them, without changing current funding or rates.

Maddy summarySB 1209 prohibits public agencies from disclosing the home addresses of public school teachers under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It adds teachers employed by local or regional school boards to an existing list of protected professions (like police officers and judges) whose addresses are exempt from public disclosure. The bill also establishes a task force to study whether similar address disclosure exemptions should be expanded to cover additional public employees. This directly affects public school teachers by preventing their home addresses from being released in public records requests.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant all Connecticut residents an enforceable right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, a healthy environment, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these rights equitably, avoid unreasonable infringement, and actively conserve natural resources like water, air, and wildlife for current and future generations. If passed by three-quarters of both legislative chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval to become part of Connecticut's constitution. The amendment would not create new regulations but would establish a legal foundation for residents to seek court enforcement of environmental protections.

Maddy summarySB 1511 establishes Connecticut's Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network (CP20 WIN), a data-sharing system across state agencies to track youth from early education through workforce entry. It defines "disconnected youth" as ages 14-18 at risk of dropping out of school and "disconnected young people" as ages 19-26 not in work, education, or skill development. The bill creates an executive board to oversee the network, enabling agencies like education, workforce development, and corrections to securely share longitudinal data. This system aims to inform policies supporting at-risk youth, though it does not create new funding or direct services. The bill updates related definitions (e.g., school funding formulas) but focuses on data infrastructure rather than immediate program changes.

Maddy summarySB 806 expands Medicaid coverage to include specific emergency medical conditions, such as high-risk pregnancy, Type 1 diabetes emergencies in minors, severe hypertension, unstable seizures, and acute psychiatric treatment. It directly affects individuals with these qualifying conditions who previously might not have received emergency Medicaid coverage for outpatient care. The bill requires the state to create an online application system by July 2026 for advance eligibility for outpatient emergency treatment, replacing emergency room visits where possible. This change aligns with federal Medicaid rules and aims to improve access to timely care for these critical health issues.