Rep. Tammy Nuccio

Maddy summaryHB 7069 requires Connecticut police officers to undergo a behavioral health assessment by a union-approved mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker with PTSD expertise) at least once every five years. This applies to all officers in law enforcement units, with new hires needing an assessment within six months of joining. Assessments cannot access medical records, and results are confidential - shared only with the officer and their department head, not included in medical records or used for fitness evaluations. The law also allows departments to require additional assessments for "good cause" with written justification, while exempting officers retiring within six months of a scheduled assessment. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6786 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE HIRING RATIO FOR SKILLED TRADES) allows licensed contractors in electrical, plumbing, heating, piping, sprinkler fitter, or sheet metal work to temporarily hire more apprentices than standard ratios require if they meet specific criteria. Directly affecting these contractors, the bill creates a formal application process where businesses must prove they’re in good standing, have no recent wage violations, maintain a 40% apprentice completion rate for licensure, and agree to track apprentice work hours. If approved, the hiring relief applies to specific apprentices for up to six years, even if the business later fails to meet the criteria. The Labor Department must review applications within 10 business days and submit annual reports to the legislature on the program’s impact. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6723 designates November as "Veterans' Month" in Connecticut, requiring the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing military service and sacrifice. The bill directs the Governor to designate suitable events (like Capitol observances) for public recognition, with no new state or municipal costs. It affects the Governor’s office as the designated administrator and honors veterans who served in U.S. and Connecticut armed forces. This procedural measure has no fiscal impact, as confirmed by the state’s fiscal analysis.

Maddy summarySB 647 establishes a systems benefits charge to fund energy affordability programs, directly affecting all electricity customers in Connecticut. The bill requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to set this annual charge (effective July 1, 2025), with funds directed to specific programs like Operation Fuel for energy assistance, hardship protection measures, low-income conservation initiatives, and energy efficiency programs. It replaces an older funding mechanism and specifies exact allocations, including $2.1 million annually for energy assistance (with $200,000 for administrative costs). The bill does not change electricity rates but redirects existing funding to support vulnerable households and energy programs.

Maddy summaryHB 6048 requires heating fuel dealers to refund consumers for unused heating fuel when service ends, paying the lesser of what the consumer paid or the current market price. It also mandates that contracts for heating fuel tanks (both above and underground) include a clear, conspicuous option for consumers to purchase the tank and equipment at a fixed, non-increasing price at any time during the contract term. These provisions apply directly to residential consumers using propane or oil heating and to heating fuel dealers providing contracts or tank leases. The bill sets maximum contract terms (36 months for above-ground tanks, 5 years for underground) and prohibits unfair restrictions on switching providers without explicit consumer acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHB 5544 imposes a registration fee on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and levies a per-kilowatt-hour tax on electricity sold at public EV charging stations. This bill directly affects EV owners through the new registration fee and charging station operators through the electricity tax. Revenue generated from both the fee and tax must be deposited into the Special Transportation Fund. The policy change shifts funding for transportation infrastructure to include EV-related fees, rather than relying solely on traditional fuel taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 6608 establishes a task force to evaluate current documentation requirements for mental health care providers. The task force will study these requirements and propose recommendations to the legislature. This bill directly affects mental health care providers who must comply with documentation rules, though it does not change those rules itself. The bill's purpose is solely to create a study group to assess the current system, with no immediate policy changes. It is a procedural measure focused on gathering information, not implementing new regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 6549 authorizes hospitals to install climate-controlled devices on emergency department exteriors for the safe, voluntary surrender of infants. These devices must include a bassinet, an automatically locking exterior door, and an alert alarm to notify staff. The bill directly affects parents in crisis who might abandon infants and hospitals that choose to implement such devices. It provides a legal, safe alternative to infant abandonment by enabling immediate staff response without requiring parents to enter the facility.

Maddy summaryHB 6596 prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) within Connecticut and requires the Department of Public Health to create an education program about its prevention. The bill explicitly bans the practice, directly affecting individuals who perform or facilitate FGM, including medical professionals and cultural practitioners. It also allows victims or their representatives to file civil lawsuits seeking remedies for harm caused by FGM. These provisions aim to prevent the practice through legal prohibition, public education, and civil enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 6617 expands the existing CRISIS Initiative pilot program to include juvenile services. It requires the Division of State Police (within the Department of Emergency Services) to partner with the Department of Mental Health to provide mobile crisis intervention teams for juveniles in emergency situations. These teams will assist with the emergency transport of juveniles to urgent care facilities or hospitals. The bill directly affects juveniles experiencing mental health crises and the state agencies responsible for emergency response and mental health services.