Maddy summaryHB 5211 requires providers offering sales-based commercial financing (repayments tied to a business's sales/revenue) to disclose four specific details to recipients: the total financing amount, disbursement amount (excluding finance charges), finance charge, and an estimated annual percentage rate (APR) based on projected sales. This applies to financing under $250,000 not intended for personal use, directly affecting small businesses and the providers (like brokers or non-bank lenders) offering this financing. The APR must be calculated using either historical sales data or an opt-in method, with providers notifying the Banking Commissioner of their chosen method. Banks, credit unions, and certain large lenders are exempt from these requirements. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes parole eligibility rules for individuals convicted of crimes committed after July 1, 1981, who were under 26 years old at the time of the offense. It creates two main categories: those who may be eligible for parole after serving half their sentence, and those convicted of serious violent crimes who must serve 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible. The legislation requires the Board of Pardons and Paroles to hold hearings for certain offenders before releasing them on parole and mandates that the board document specific reasons for denying parole if a hearing is not held. The bill applies to people already incarcerated as of October 1, 1990, and sets specific conditions for residential placement and supervision during parole.
Maddy summarySB 3 requires the state to cover the full cost of health care premium increases for people enrolled in Access Health CT who have household incomes between 500% and 600% of the federal poverty level. This directly affects moderate-income residents who rely on Access Health CT for health insurance, ensuring they do not face higher out-of-pocket costs due to premium hikes. The bill mandates a state appropriation from the General Fund to pay for these increases, rather than shifting the cost to enrollees. It aims to maintain affordability amid federal subsidy reductions, without creating new programs or altering eligibility criteria.
Maddy summarySB 237 requires the Department of Transportation to restore Shore Line East rail service to pre-pandemic levels by July 2026 and expand bus rapid transit routes connecting Hartford to Storrs, increasing frequency on the Naugatuck Valley-New Haven route, and extending the Danbury branch to New Milford. It also establishes new programs: free bus passes for high school students (grades 9-12) through a state grant program, and free bus passes for veterans, both requiring annual reporting on usage and impact. The bill revises fare change procedures to mandate public hearings and advance notice, and allocates $3 million from the General Fund to fund the student pass program for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These provisions directly affect commuters, students, veterans, and public transit operators across Connecticut.
Maddy summarySB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how Connecticut public agencies and law enforcement can use automated license plate reader systems starting October 1, 2026. It limits their use to specific purposes like weighing station operations, vehicle maintenance, and comparing plates against criminal or missing person databases, while requiring most collected data to be deleted within seven days. The legislation also prohibits using this technology to monitor individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, gender identity, or immigration status, and bans collecting data near reproductive health facilities or immigrant-serving organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary program requiring participating hospitals to provide financial assistance to patients based on their income levels and insurance status. Hospitals that opt in must offer free care to uninsured patients with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, subsidized care for those between 200% and 300%, and income-based payment plans for patients up to 400% of the poverty level who receive certain government nutrition assistance. The law also mandates that hospitals simplify the application process by limiting required documentation, exempting homeless patients from paperwork, and providing information in multiple languages. Additionally, the state will reimburse participating hospitals through Medicaid funds to offset the costs of providing this expanded financial assistance.
Maddy summarySB 351 establishes a "just cause" standard for terminating both tenured and non-tenured teachers' contracts in Connecticut, requiring school boards to provide specific, documented reasons for termination. It mandates that teachers who receive termination or nonrenewal notices may request a hearing before a neutral arbitrator (chosen by the teacher and superintendent) within 10 days, with the hearing starting within 15 days. The law also requires school boards to provide written reasons for termination upon request and ensures teachers can be represented by legal counsel during hearings. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, apply directly to public school teachers and school boards across the state.
Maddy summarySB 353 amends Connecticut law to require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing conditions related to menopause, directly affecting working women in the state. It expands existing anti-discrimination protections by adding menopause to the list of conditions requiring accommodations, such as allowing seated work, flexible breaks, modified schedules, or temporary light-duty assignments. The bill defines "reasonable accommodation" and clarifies that employers cannot claim "undue hardship" for minor, low-cost adjustments. This change takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all employers covered under Connecticut’s anti-discrimination law.
Maddy summarySB 345 requires employers to provide reasonable break times and private, non-toilet spaces (with refrigeration access) for nursing employees to express breast milk during work hours, including before or after shifts. It also prohibits discrimination against employees using these rights and defines "undue hardship" based on business size and resources. The bill establishes a task force to study workplace heat safety standards and recommend best practices, including examining other states' approaches. This law applies to all employers in the state, including government entities, and takes effect October 1, 2026.