Rep. Gregg Haddad

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to exempt clothing items costing less than $100 from state sales and use taxes. The change would directly affect consumers purchasing affordable clothing and retailers selling such items. Under the proposed amendment, eligible clothing articles would not be subject to taxation upon sale or consumption within the state. This policy adjustment aims to reduce tax burdens on low-cost apparel purchases while maintaining tax collection on higher-priced clothing.

Maddy summarySB 854 requires the state to pay one-third of the monthly premium cost for retired teachers' Medicare supplement health insurance. This bill directly affects retired teachers enrolled in Connecticut's Teachers' Retirement System by reducing their out-of-pocket health insurance costs. The key provision mandates the state subsidy be applied to the total monthly premium, making coverage more affordable. The bill aims to restore the state's previous contribution level for this benefit.

Maddy summarySB 964 prohibits businesses in the state from charging customers an extra fee to receive paper bills instead of electronic ones. It directly affects consumers who prefer physical bills and businesses that currently impose such surcharges. The law requires businesses to provide paper billing at no additional cost to customers who request it. This policy change eliminates a common practice where companies charged for paper statements, ensuring equal access to billing formats without financial penalty. The bill applies statewide to all businesses operating within the state.

Maddy summarySB 1032 expands Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program to cover all employees, regardless of union status or collective bargaining agreements. The bill amends Section 31-49e of the general statutes to remove the previous exclusion for workers covered by union contracts. This means every employee in the state, including those in unionized workplaces, will now qualify for paid leave for family or medical reasons under the program. The change ensures universal access to this benefit without requiring separate negotiations for union-represented workers.

Maddy summarySB 1005 prohibits insurance companies from using geographic location (such as zip code or neighborhood) as a factor when calculating insurance premium rates. This directly affects homeowners and renters whose insurance costs are currently influenced by where they live. The bill amends state insurance law to ban this specific practice, requiring insurers to base rates solely on other factors like driving history or property features. It aims to prevent location-based pricing that may disproportionately impact certain communities.

Maddy summarySB 1086 (2025) is a procedural bill renaming South Frontage Road in Mansfield to "Goodwin Vinton Road." It directly affects the town of Mansfield by changing the official name of this road. The bill honors the history of former schools that were located on the road, as stated in its purpose. This is a commemorative change with no policy or financial impact, simply renaming a local road to preserve historical recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 5845 appropriates state funds to reimburse school districts for the difference between federal reimbursement rates and the actual cost of providing reduced-price lunches and free breakfasts. It directly affects school districts participating in federal meal programs, covering costs for breakfasts served at no charge to all students and lunches at no charge to students eligible for reduced-price meals. The bill provides $____ from the General Fund for fiscal year 2026 to cover this cost gap, ensuring schools aren’t financially burdened by federal reimbursement shortfalls. This is a concrete policy change to maintain meal program access without altering eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Path Program to help middle and high school students from low-income families and first-generation college students prepare for higher education. It allows nonprofit organizations to compete for state grants alongside colleges to provide skills development and motivation to these students. The program uses a competitive application process with a March deadline, and funds are awarded for one-year periods starting in August. Additionally, the bill appropriates $4.8 million to the Office of Higher Education to support this initiative for the 2025 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal confidentiality protections for private conversations between Department of Correction officers and peer support team members. It defines "first responders" to include DOC officers and ensures that their discussions within peer support programs remain private unless the officer voluntarily waives this privilege. While the law generally prohibits sharing these details in legal proceedings or with third parties, it allows for disclosure in specific situations, such as when there is an immediate threat to safety or when the peer support member was directly involved in the incident. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and aim to encourage officers to seek mental health support without fear of their communications being used against them.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for wheelchair dealers in the state to ensure timely repairs and better customer service for people who use wheelchairs. Effective October 1, 2024, dealers selling or leasing wheelchairs must fix them within ten days of a request and provide home repairs for specialized medical wheelchairs upon demand. The law also requires dealers to maintain a phone line for repair requests, respond within one business day, and keep enough parts in stock to complete repairs efficiently. Dealers can charge fees for out-of-warranty repairs but cannot penalize customers for defects caused by abuse or neglect. Violations of these requirements will be treated as unfair trade practices and may result in penalties for those who contract with the Department of Social Services.