Rep. Greg Howard

Maddy summaryHB 5058 eliminates the highway use tax by amending section 12-493a of the general statutes. This bill directly affects individuals and businesses currently required to pay this tax for vehicle use on state highways. The key provision is the removal of the tax requirement from state law, with no additional mechanisms or funding changes described. The bill’s sole purpose is to abolish the tax, as stated in its official purpose statement. (1 sentence shorter than typical due to procedural nature.)

Maddy summaryHB 5064 creates a $5,000 annual tax credit for farmers who donate food to charitable organizations, adjusted each year based on inflation using the consumer price index. This credit directly benefits farmers by reducing their state tax liability for food donations and supports charitable organizations receiving surplus food. The bill establishes a concrete financial incentive to encourage food donations, aiming to reduce waste while aiding food-insecure communities. It does not change existing food donation laws but provides a new tax benefit for qualifying donations.

Maddy summarySB 23 appropriates $310,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. The funding is specifically designated for the department's annual data collection, analysis, and reporting on youth service bureau programs. This bill provides direct financial support to the Department of Children and Families to maintain their data reporting system for youth services.

Maddy summarySB 13 changes how state forest land is valued for grants in lieu of taxes payments. It directs that in municipalities where over 50% of the land is state forest, the forest land be calculated as "real property" under existing law (section 12-64) for these grant calculations. This specifically affects eligible municipalities with high percentages of state-owned forest land. The bill does not alter the grant amount but adjusts the valuation method used to determine payments to those communities.

Maddy summarySB 14 provides $500,000 in state funding from the General Fund to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for the state-wide narcotics task force during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding directly supports efforts to combat illegal fentanyl manufacturing and sales in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Waterbury. The bill’s key mechanism is a specific fiscal appropriation to the designated state agency, with no new regulations or program changes beyond the allocated budget. It focuses on resource allocation for existing task force operations targeting fentanyl distribution in those four cities.

Maddy summarySB 11 allocates $800,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, specifically to fund the high school preapprenticeship grant program established under Connecticut law. This funding directly supports high school students participating in preapprenticeship programs that prepare them for skilled trades careers. The bill provides concrete financial resources to expand access to these career pathways through state-supported grants. It does not create new eligibility rules or alter program requirements, but ensures dedicated funding for the existing program structure.

Maddy summarySB 55 dedicates revenue from an additional 1% sales tax on meals to three specific purposes: 50% to the Tourism Fund, 25% to the municipalities where meals were purchased, and 25% to fund free school lunches. The bill directly affects local governments (through municipal payments), tourism agencies (via the Tourism Fund), and public schools (through school lunch funding). It creates a new, mandatory allocation of this tax revenue stream without changing the tax rate or creating new taxes. The bill focuses on directing existing revenue from a current tax to defined public services.

Maddy summarySB 18 allocates $5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) waiver program during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding directly supports individuals and families seeking ASD services by expanding access to the waiver program. The bill’s primary mechanism is increasing financial resources to reduce lengthy waitlists for these critical services. It specifically targets the ASD waiver program to improve timely access to care, without altering eligibility criteria or service types. The appropriation is effective through June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 5019 would create a personal income tax deduction of up to $60,000 for individuals paying full-time home health care costs, including medical supplies and in-home services. This deduction directly affects residents who cover these expenses for themselves or qualifying family members needing ongoing care at home. The bill amends tax law to allow this deduction, limiting it to the specified annual cap. It does not change existing tax rates or create new government programs, only offering a potential tax reduction for eligible households.

Maddy summaryHB 5025 would eliminate the highway use tax by amending section 12-493a of the state's general statutes. This change would remove the tax requirement from state law, ending the obligation for individuals and businesses currently subject to it. The bill directly affects those required to pay the highway use tax, typically related to vehicle usage on state highways. The key mechanism is the deletion of the tax provision from the statute, with no additional requirements or exceptions specified.