Rep. Jimmy Sánchez

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to change the term lengths for state legislators. Currently, members of the state legislature serve two-year terms. The amendment would establish a new cycle where, after each U.S. Census redistricting, the first two elected terms would be four years long, followed by a two-year term. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, this change would affect all state senators and representatives elected in subsequent cycles. The resolution must first pass the legislature with a three-quarter vote to appear on the ballot.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HR 10) recognizes the cultural heritage of Taíno descendants in Connecticut. It affirms their historical and ongoing contributions to the state without conferring tribal status, land claims, or sovereignty. The resolution supports collaboration with Taíno cultural organizations to promote awareness and language revitalization, with no fiscal impact on state or municipal budgets. (House Favorable, Committee Report: March 26, 2025)

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Congress to amend the Jones Act to exempt domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation between U.S. ports. It specifically targets the requirement that vessels moving cargo between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and crewed by Americans, which currently limits LNG tanker availability. The resolution argues this exemption would address high LNG costs (up to 30% higher) and supply shortages affecting Connecticut (65% of electricity from natural gas) and Puerto Rico (23% of electricity). As a memorial resolution, it does not change law but formally requests congressional action to modify the Jones Act for domestic LNG transport.

Maddy summarySB 1243 exempts veterans with a state-issued veteran ID (like a driver's license marking veteran status) from paying bus fares on state-operated routes. It also creates a program allowing public high schools (grades 9-12) to obtain discounted or free bus passes for students, requiring schools to negotiate contracts with the Department of Transportation to cover costs. The DOT must publish program details online by August 2025 and report annually on pass usage and expenses. This directly affects veterans seeking free bus access and school districts participating in the student pass program.

Maddy summaryHB 7172, titled "AN ACT CONCERNING THE SEWAGE RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT," requires Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to create a real-time public notification system for sewage spills and permitted bypasses. The system, effective by December 1, 2026, will allow residents to choose alerts via phone, email, or text within two hours of DEEP receiving a report - without relying on social media. It directly affects the public by providing faster, accessible information about sewage incidents impacting waterways or communities. The bill amends statute 22a-424a(c)(4) to mandate this transparency, ensuring timely updates for residents near wastewater systems.

Maddy summaryHB 6889 protects specific tenants from no-cause evictions in multi-unit buildings (5+ units) or mobile home parks. It applies to seniors (62+), people with qualifying disabilities, or tenants who've lived there 13+ months. Landlords may only evict for reasons like nonpayment, serious lease violations affecting health/safety, or specific "for personal use" scenarios (requiring 90-day notice and proof no other units are available). The bill also requires rent increases for protected tenants to be "fair and equitable," with disputes resolved through local commissions or courts. It takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6724 creates a special Connecticut motor vehicle license plate honoring "The Borinqueneers," the primarily Puerto Rican members of the U.S. Army's 65th Infantry Regiment. The bill, effective January 1, 2026, requires the Motor Vehicle Commissioner to issue these plates for a $60 fee (in addition to standard registration costs), with $15 covering plate production and $45 funding bilingual veteran services through Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. The plates will be available to any Connecticut resident who chooses to purchase them, and funds deposited to the designated account will support services for veterans and military members. The bill establishes a new account within the General Fund to manage these funds, which will be distributed quarterly to the nonprofit organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow striking workers to receive unemployment benefits after 14 consecutive days of strike, effective for labor disputes beginning December 14, 2026. Currently, most striking workers are ineligible for benefits during labor disputes. The change applies to workers not involved in the dispute (e.g., non-union employees) or who have not participated in the strike for 14+ days, but excludes situations involving employer lockouts. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, though the eligibility rule starts in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5017 requires tire retailers in Connecticut to join a state-approved tire recycling program by January 1, 2026. Retailers who fail to participate will be prohibited from selling tires in the state after that date. The law builds on a 2023 law requiring tire producers to join such programs by 2025, mandating that retailers participate in the same statewide system. The program must establish free public tire drop-off, ensure discarded tires are recycled or resold, and provide public education - financed solely by tire producers. This directly affects all tire retailers operating in Connecticut, making participation mandatory for continued sales.

Maddy summaryHB 6915 bans the use of certain second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone) statewide starting October 1, 2025, affecting most residential, commercial, and general pest control uses. Key exceptions allow continued use for public health activities (e.g., water infrastructure protection, mosquito control), emergency rodent infestations requiring public health approval, specific facilities like medical waste sites and food production facilities, and agricultural operations in designated locations (warehouses, slaughterhouses, etc.). The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Commissioner to develop wildlife protection regulations and submit a 2027 report analyzing impacts on public health, agriculture, and federal compliance. This policy change directly affects pest control businesses, property managers, and agricultural operations while permitting limited uses for public health and critical infrastructure needs.