Rep. Doug Dubitsky

Maddy summaryHB 5406 eliminates the highway use tax by amending section 12-493a of the state's general statutes. This change removes the tax requirement from state law, directly affecting drivers and businesses currently required to pay this fee. The key mechanism is the deletion of the tax provision from the statute, ending the obligation to pay it. The bill does not create new requirements or alter other tax provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5394 creates a new standalone Department of Energy, separating it from the current Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It transfers all energy-related functions - such as energy policy, infrastructure oversight, and renewable energy programs - from the existing department to the new entity. This reorganization affects state government operations by shifting responsibility for energy matters to a dedicated agency. The bill does not alter energy policies or regulations, only restructuring the administrative body managing them. (Bill: HB 5394, Title: AN ACT CREATING A DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY)

Maddy summaryHB 5453 requires healthcare providers to notify a minor's parent or guardian before a minor can terminate a pregnancy. Minors who cannot notify parents may seek court approval for confidentiality, with the court ensuring the minor's anonymity and expediting the process to allow timely termination. The bill directly affects minors seeking pregnancy termination services in the state. It establishes a court process as the sole alternative to parental notification, aiming to balance parental involvement with minor access to care.

Maddy summarySB 735 would change the state tax code to exempt all Social Security benefits and pension or annuity income from personal income tax. This directly affects every resident taxpayer who receives these types of income, including retirees and disabled individuals. The bill achieves this by amending Section 12-701 of the general statutes to remove these income sources from taxable income. The policy change would reduce tax liability for affected individuals without altering existing benefit amounts. The bill's purpose is explicitly stated as providing tax relief for these specific income streams.

Maddy summarySB 744 repeals Connecticut's campaign finance law provisions that unconstitutionally restrict political speech based on content. It specifically removes limits on what candidates can say about other races, affecting all candidates - whether participating in the Citizens' Election Program or not. The bill aligns state law with the Connecticut Supreme Court's 2023 *Markley v. State Elections Enforcement Commission* ruling by eliminating unnecessary restrictions that went beyond preventing funding of campaign speech for different candidates. This change ensures political speech protections under the First Amendment are fully maintained in campaign finance regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5352 would prohibit students identified as biological males from competing on public school female-only athletic teams or using female-only locker rooms and facilities in interscholastic and intramural sports. The bill directly affects transgender and gender-diverse students in public schools who are assigned male at birth but participate in girls' sports or access girls' facilities. It amends state law to require schools to restrict participation and facility access based on biological sex, specifically for athletic teams and locker rooms designated for females. The policy change applies to all public school athletic programs and facilities covered under the state's education statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 5209 prohibits the Governor or any municipality from changing or suspending laws related to firearms and ammunition during civil preparedness or public health emergencies. It specifically bars restrictions on lawful possession, purchase, sale, storage, transportation, or transfer of firearms or ammunition during such emergencies. The bill directly affects state and local officials who might otherwise issue emergency orders limiting firearm access. This policy change ensures existing firearm regulations remain in effect regardless of emergency declarations.

Maddy summarySB 503 would allow local school boards to create voucher programs providing funds directly to parents or guardians of students. These vouchers could be used to cover tuition at any public school within the state, expanding school choice options. The bill removes existing restrictions on such programs and explicitly states it does not require students or parents to enroll in public schools, nor does it affect homeschooling rights. This change would apply directly to families with children in districts that adopt the program, without creating new enrollment mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires voters to present a valid photo ID displaying their name and address when voting in person and to include a photocopy of such ID with absentee ballot return envelopes. Public libraries must provide free photocopies of voters' photo IDs for absentee ballots, with costs reimbursed by the state. The bill also waives fees for obtaining a photo ID from the Motor Vehicle Commissioner for individuals unable to pay. It directly affects all voters in person or by mail in the state, aiming to verify voter identity while providing free access to required identification.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend state statutes to permit hunting on Sundays using shotguns or rifles on both private and public property. Currently, Sunday hunting may be restricted in many areas, so this change would directly affect hunters seeking to hunt on Sundays across all property types. The key provision removes existing prohibitions, allowing this activity with specified firearms without requiring additional permits. This is a straightforward policy change to expand hunting opportunities under current legal frameworks.