Rep. Aundré Bumgardner

Maddy summaryHB 5403 prohibits state agencies and municipalities from purchasing or operating drones (unmanned aircraft systems) manufactured or assembled in China or Russia. The bill directly affects all local and state government entities that use such drones for operations. Its key provision bans these specific foreign-made drones to protect national security by reducing reliance on technology from designated foreign adversaries. The law applies to all drone acquisitions or operations by covered government entities, without exception.

Maddy summaryHB 6916 bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on most public and private turf (like golf courses, lawns, and municipal properties) and for corn, wheat, and soybean crops starting January 1, 2028. It also prohibits selling or distributing neonicotinoid-treated agricultural seeds for these crops after January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is granted. The bill allows temporary exceptions for environmental emergencies (approved by the Environmental Protection Commissioner) and requires farmers seeking waivers for seed treatments to undergo pest risk assessments, complete integrated pest management training, and prove less harmful alternatives aren't feasible. These provisions directly affect property managers, municipalities, and farmers in Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 5117 requires Connecticut's Department of Veterans Affairs to designate or acquire land by July 1, 2026, as a final resting place for deceased Connecticut veterans. The bill mandates that the land must already be owned by the department or newly acquired, with no specific location or size specified. This procedural bill directly affects Connecticut veterans and their families by establishing a formal process for creating a state-run veterans cemetery.

Maddy summaryHB 6450 establishes the Connecticut-Taiwan Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Connecticut and Taiwan. The commission will directly support Connecticut businesses and Taiwanese partners by advancing bilateral trade, promoting business/academic exchanges, and encouraging mutual investment in infrastructure. Key provisions include facilitating joint policy actions on shared economic issues and fostering mutual economic support between the two regions. The bill creates a formal mechanism for collaboration but does not impose new taxes or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 6493 requires owners of short-term rental properties (like Airbnb units) that are not occupied by the owner to register in a state-wide registry and pay a tax. It directly affects non-owner-occupied short-term rental property owners. The bill establishes a state registry managed by the Department of Revenue Services and mandates registration and taxation for qualifying units. Revenue from the tax is distributed as follows: 50% to municipalities, 25% to the state for community action housing programs, and 25% to the Time to Own program.

Maddy summaryHB 5050 requires Connecticut's Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to create two key resources: a program offering technical and financial assistance to towns and cities that publish municipal budgets online, and standardized guidelines for best practices in online budget publication. This bill directly affects all Connecticut municipalities that currently publish or plan to publish budget and financial information online. The key mechanisms are OPM's new assistance program to support municipalities and the development of clear, consistent guidelines for how this information should be presented digitally. The goal is to improve public access to municipal financial data through standardized, user-friendly online platforms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Fund to support the aquarium's work rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing stranded marine mammals. Funded through annual state appropriations from the General Fund, the money will directly support the aquarium's rescue operations, educational outreach programs, and marine conservation research. The fund specifically targets marine mammal welfare and scientific efforts, benefiting the Mystic Aquarium's program and broader coastal conservation initiatives in Connecticut.

Maddy summaryHB 6745 helps military families who must relocate to Connecticut when service members receive state orders for active duty. It directly affects spouses, children, and military families by: (1) making it easier for spouses to work by adopting interstate license recognition, (2) allowing flexible school enrollment choices for children, and (3) speeding up special education services to reduce delays and paperwork for military children. The bill streamlines existing processes without creating new programs, focusing on immediate support during relocation.

Maddy summaryHB 6533 allows local governments, including fire districts, to join or establish their own municipal electric utilities through a vote of the ratepayers (utility customers) in the district. This bill removes barriers that previously prevented fire districts and similar local entities from forming or merging with electric utilities. The key mechanism requires a direct vote by ratepayers to approve the formation or joining of such a utility. The bill does not mandate any action but provides a pathway for communities to create publicly owned electric services. It directly affects fire districts, municipalities, and their utility customers by expanding their options for local energy management.

Maddy summaryHB 6282 prohibits the sale and use of 10 specific invasive plant species, including Japanese Barberry, Burning Bush, English Ivy, and Tree of Heaven. This bill directly affects nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and property owners who currently sell or use these plants. The key provision adds these species to the state's official list of prohibited plants under general statutes. The law makes it illegal to sell, distribute, or plant these species within the state. The bill aims to prevent the spread of plants that harm local ecosystems and native wildlife.