Rep. Maryam Khan

Maddy summaryHB 5860 requires Connecticut's Department of Education and Department of Transportation to develop a standardized driver education curriculum for high schools. This model curriculum would be available for local and regional school boards to adopt or adapt for their driver education programs. The bill directly affects high schools and their driver education courses by providing a state-created framework. It does not change current licensing requirements but establishes a recommended educational standard for classroom instruction. The bill focuses solely on creating this curriculum resource, with no provisions for implementation timelines or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5651 requires Connecticut's Motor Vehicle Commissioner to offer an oral version of the knowledge test to applicants who request it due to reading or learning disabilities. This change directly affects individuals with these specific disabilities who are applying for a driver's license. The bill amends existing law to mandate that the Commissioner provide this alternative testing format upon request, replacing the standard written test. The policy change ensures accessibility without altering the test content or passing standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5652 establishes a pilot program in Hartford to assist residents preparing for both the written knowledge test and on-the-road driving skills test required for a motor vehicle operator's license. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles would administer the program, providing free test preparation resources to Hartford residents seeking a driver's license. This initiative directly affects Hartford residents who are preparing for their driver's license exams, aiming to improve pass rates through targeted support. The bill does not change licensing requirements but creates a temporary, localized assistance program.

Maddy summaryHB 5648 establishes a two-year pilot program to provide driver education to high school students in Hartford, administered by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The program would integrate driver education into school curricula or offer it as an after-school activity. It directly affects Hartford high school students by potentially making driver education more accessible during their school day. The bill requires the state to fund and manage the pilot, with no specified cost or timeline beyond the two-year duration. This is a procedural bill focused on program implementation, not policy changes to existing driver laws.

Maddy summaryHB 5603 amends state law to strengthen standards for implementing the Protect Act in correctional facilities. It requires consistent safety standards for out-of-cell time, clean facilities, and adequate resources for prisoners, while ensuring the Office of the Correction Ombuds has sufficient funding to operate. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Correction to submit annual reports to the General Assembly on implementation progress and recommendations. This directly affects correctional facilities, prisoners, and the Correction Ombuds office by establishing clearer oversight and resource requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5464 would amend Connecticut law to expand parole eligibility for individuals serving long sentences for crimes they committed before turning 25. Specifically, it changes Title 54 of the general statutes to include this group in parole consideration under certain circumstances. The bill directly affects people convicted of serious offenses as minors or young adults who are currently incarcerated. It does not alter sentencing rules but adjusts eligibility criteria for parole review. The bill aims to provide a pathway for parole consideration for this specific cohort of inmates.

Maddy summaryHB 5463 prohibits suspending driver's licenses solely for unpaid traffic fines, fees, or missing court appearances related to traffic violations. It directly affects low-income drivers who rely on vehicles for work or daily needs, as the bill aims to prevent license suspensions that disrupt their livelihoods. The key mechanism requires the state to stop imposing these suspensions and restore licenses already suspended for these reasons. This bill makes a concrete policy change to remove financial barriers to transportation access for affected residents.

Maddy summaryHB 5445 limits the Connecticut Department of Correction’s use of chemical restraints and establishes strict rules for strip searches. It requires probable cause (reasonable suspicion of contraband) before any strip search and mandates that cavity searches be conducted only when necessary and in the least invasive way possible. The bill also requires the Department to report on all uses of these practices to improve transparency. These changes directly affect correctional staff and incarcerated individuals in state facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 5061 would require the Connecticut Department of Transportation to establish a new commuter rail line connecting Hartford Union Station to Bradley International Airport. The rail line would include stops in Hartford, Bloomfield, and Windsor Locks, directly affecting airport travelers, regional commuters, and residents in those communities. The bill aims to improve airport accessibility and support the airport's competitiveness by creating a direct rail link. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as specified.)

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the intentional addition of PFAS chemicals to a wide range of consumer products, including mattresses, clothing, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies, effective October 1, 2024. It defines specific categories such as children's products, outdoor apparel, and cookware to clarify which items are subject to the new limits while excluding certain uses deemed essential for health and safety. Manufacturers must ensure that PFAS are not deliberately included in these goods unless they are unavoidable for the product's function and no safer alternative exists. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "intentionally added" and "currently unavoidable use" to guide regulatory enforcement.