Rep. Nick Gauthier

Maddy summarySB 6 establishes a $600 annual tax credit per dependent child for eligible taxpayers with up to three children, phased out for higher-income households (e.g., $100k+ for single filers). It mandates all public school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in the 2027 fiscal year, funded by state grants. The bill also prohibits certain convicted individuals (e.g., for specific sex offenses) from sharing a home with a minor child unless they are the biological or adoptive parent, with exceptions for finalized adoptions. Additionally, it requires correctional facilities to notify child welfare agencies when such individuals are released, triggering case reviews for children under protective services.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Commissioner of Revenue Services to conduct a study of the state's current revenue policies to identify potential legislative changes that could improve the business climate and economic opportunities. The commissioner is authorized to consult with individuals, businesses, and state agencies as needed to gather information for the study. By January 1, 2027, the commissioner must submit a report containing findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee on finance, revenue, and bonding. The bill does not change any existing tax laws or revenue amounts but instead establishes a process for reviewing and potentially updating state revenue policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes security measures around election sites, including polling places, early voting locations, and ballot drop boxes, by restricting the presence of law enforcement, prohibiting face-obscuring masks, and banning firearm possession within 250 feet of these locations. The law defines election sites broadly to cover various voting activities and sets specific exceptions for law enforcement acting under official warrants, emergency situations, or with state official permission. Violations of these provisions are classified as class C felonies and result in loss of voting rights, while the bill includes exemptions for lawfully carried firearms on private property and for certain school-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the state Comptroller to study retirement health benefits for paraeducators, who are classroom support staff in public schools. The study must examine what benefits paraeducators currently receive and gather recommendations for potential legislative improvements. The Comptroller must complete this review and submit a report to the relevant legislative committee by January 1, 2027. This measure does not change existing laws or create new benefits immediately, but rather establishes a process to evaluate the current situation before any policy changes are considered.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes two main changes to Connecticut's education sector: it requires a study on whether retired teachers could return to full-time work without affecting their pensions and allows former teachers to apply for disability benefits if their condition began while employed, with results due by January 2027; and it establishes a $45,000 minimum annual salary for paraeducators starting July 2026. To help schools afford the salary increase, the state will provide subsidies to cover the difference between current and minimum pay rates for the fiscal year ending June 2028 and annually thereafter. Additionally, school boards must pay the employee portion of retirement contributions for paraeducators, with the state covering at least half of that cost. These provisions aim to improve retirement options for teachers and increase compensation and retirement security for paraeducators.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Connecticut to inform job applicants and employees when automated systems are used to make employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, or performance evaluations. Companies deploying these systems must disclose what personal data is being collected, how long it will be kept, who will access it, and provide options for applicants to opt out of data processing. The law also mandates that employees receive written notice before any employment decision is made, explaining the purpose of the automated system and the nature of the decision being made. Developers of these systems must provide necessary information to employers to ensure compliance, unless they have a contract assuming those responsibilities. The protections apply to various automated processes including resume screening, online interview analysis, and predictive assessments used in workplace decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 5% surcharge on insurance policies covering fossil fuel infrastructure such as oil wells, pipelines, refineries, and coal facilities, effective January 1, 2027. The collected funds will be deposited into a new climate resilience account managed by state officials. These funds will be used to provide flood risk data to communities, run public awareness campaigns about flooding risks, and offer grants for building climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce flood damage. The policy directly affects insurance companies issuing policies for fossil fuel operations and communities that may receive funding for flood mitigation projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded caregiver respite program to assist parents of children with autism spectrum disorder who are enrolled in Medicaid home and community-based services. The program would provide state-financed care for these children, giving parents temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities. The Commissioner of Social Services is authorized to seek necessary Medicaid approvals or federal waivers to implement this initiative, with funding dependent on available state appropriations. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and specifically targets parents of children with autism who do not have intellectual disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state-funded program to help veterans and other vulnerable individuals maintain food assistance benefits despite recent federal changes to work requirements. It establishes a $40 million state account to fund transitional benefits of up to $194 per month for 12 months, along with job training and case management services for those at risk of losing benefits. The legislation also requires the Department of Social Services to implement staggered benefit distributions to reduce processing delays and mandates that veterans receive the same benefit levels they had before federal work requirements were introduced. Additionally, the bill authorizes the commissioner to seek federal waivers for individuals in high-unemployment areas and standardizes utility allowance calculations for SNAP recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two main programs to support unpaid and paid internship opportunities in Connecticut. First, it requires state higher education boards to create a program that helps small businesses with 50 or fewer employees offer paid, high-quality internships by providing training and resources on managing internship programs. Second, it creates a stipend program for college students receiving federal Pell grants to offset costs like transportation and clothing when participating in internships. The bill also mandates annual reporting on program participation and establishes a state quality seal to recognize businesses with internship programs that meet specific standards for mentorship, learning opportunities, and clear communication.