Rep. Nick Gauthier

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a standardized immunization care protocol for Connecticut residents, requiring the state Public Health Commissioner to create and publish guidelines based on recommendations from national health organizations. It mandates that healthcare providers follow these established schedules when administering vaccines to children and adults, while also ensuring vaccines are provided at no cost to eliminate financial barriers to vaccination. The legislation creates an immunization program that will distribute vaccines to providers, offer educational materials to parents, track vaccination status for children in state programs, and utilize available federal and state funding to support these efforts. Additionally, the bill clarifies procurement rules for vaccines used under federal programs, ensuring they align with the newly established state standard of care.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid coverage to include fertility diagnostic care, fertility preservation services, and infertility treatments for individuals enrolled in the program. Effective January 1, 2027, the state would cover diagnostic tests, medications for ovulation enhancement, and up to six cycles of intrauterine insemination, while also funding storage of frozen eggs or embryos until age 30 or for five years, whichever is longer. The legislation prohibits waiting periods, discrimination based on disability or prior treatment history, and restrictions related to donor gametes, ensuring equal access regardless of age, race, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Social Services to consult with federal officials about potential future coverage for in-vitro fertilization and submit a report by July 2027 outlining options and funding needs for that service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state Medicaid program to pay for peer support services, which are recovery-focused behavioral health services provided by individuals with lived experience in mental illness or substance use recovery. Starting July 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Social Services must update Medicaid rules to include these services in care teams and begin reimbursing certified peer support specialists for their work. The law also mandates a report by August 1, 2027, detailing how many specialists receive payment, how many Medicaid enrollees they serve, and any treatment outcome data collected from their services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipal utility and public works employers to assess workplace violence risks for employees who interact directly with customers, such as those working in customer homes or during late hours. Employers must complete these risk assessments by January 2027 and implement prevention training by July 2027, covering topics like conflict resolution, minimizing cash on hand, and reporting aggressive behavior. The law also mandates that employers keep records of any workplace violence incidents and submit annual reports to the state Labor Department detailing the number and locations of such events. These requirements apply to electric, gas, and water utilities, regional water and sewer authorities, public service companies, and municipal public works departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public reporting system for double utility poles, which are two poles located within six feet of each other due to incomplete replacement work. It requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to launch an online reporting platform by July 1, 2026, where any person can submit reports with location details and photographs. The commissioner will compile quarterly lists of these reports and share them with electric distribution companies, telephone companies, and municipal electric utilities starting October 31, 2027. The legislation defines specific utility pole types and establishes clear timelines for implementing the reporting infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new advisory council to oversee wheelchair repairs and establish stricter timelines for dealers to fix complex rehabilitation technology wheelchairs. The council will include representatives from Medicaid recipients, private insurance users, disability advocates, dealers, and state agencies to monitor repair times and make recommendations. Dealers must now respond to repair requests within one business day, order parts within three days, and offer home repairs upon request, while a new complaint system tracks repair delays. The bill also requires regular reporting on repair performance to state committees to ensure accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 5149, effective July 1, 2026, prohibits students in Connecticut public schools (grades K-12) from possessing or using personal mobile electronic devices (like cell phones, tablets, or laptops) during the regular school day, except for students requiring device use for an individualized education program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. School boards must create policies covering device storage, discipline for violations, and exceptions for special needs accommodations. The bill also prohibits school districts from using social media as the sole method to communicate with families about school matters. This directly affects all K-12 public school students and school districts across Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 5260 prohibits municipalities from penalizing homeless individuals for specific daily activities in public spaces. It directly affects homeless people by ensuring they cannot be punished for moving freely, sleeping in legally parked vehicles, using public hygiene facilities, or performing basic needs like eating, resting, or seeking medical care in public. Key provisions ban local ordinances that restrict these activities, while allowing safety-related restrictions for public health or welfare. The bill excludes school properties, airports, and interior building areas from its definition of "public place." It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5279 expands workers' compensation coverage for post-traumatic stress injury (PTSD) by adding "witnessing a serious physical injury" as a qualifying event. It directly affects eligible public safety and healthcare workers - including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, correctional employees, telecommunicators, and health care providers - who witness such injuries while on duty. The bill amends existing law to include this new qualifying event (effective October 1, 2026), specifying it covers serious physical injuries that do not result in death or permanent disfigurement. This change ensures these workers can access PTSD-related workers' compensation benefits for trauma stemming from witnessing non-fatal but severe injuries.

Maddy summaryHB 5278 requires the state to add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (minimum $1 million for bodily injury or death) to the State Fleet Insurance Policy for Department of Transportation employees. This coverage specifically protects DOT workers who are outside vehicles during job duties and are injured by drivers without insurance or insufficient coverage. The policy change must be implemented by July 1, 2027, and applies only to these state employees, not the general public. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2026.