Rep. Joe Canino

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definition of intellectual disability used by the Department of Developmental Services to align with the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual, which will affect eligibility for state-administered services starting July 1, 2026. It includes a protection clause ensuring that people currently receiving services will not lose benefits or face reduced services due to changes in eligibility criteria resulting from this definition update. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Developmental Services to review and potentially adjust eligibility criteria by December 1, 2026, after consulting with stakeholders and studying best practices from other states. A report detailing recommendations, expected impacts on eligible populations, and associated costs must be submitted to the General Assembly committees overseeing human services and appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.

Maddy summaryHB 5265 requires common interest communities (like homeowner associations) to allow financial audits under specific conditions. It permits groups owning at least 20% of voting rights to petition a court for an audit if they provide a certified public accountant's opinion indicating potential financial fraud, along with proof of ownership and confirmation no recent audit occurred. The petitioning group must cover all audit costs, though the association may charge a reasonable fee for providing records. The bill also updates property disclosure forms to include new questions about flood zones, historic districts, HOA dues, and reserve funds for buyers. These changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5229 regulates online gaming and sports wagering operators in Connecticut. It requires operators to implement measures like limiting accounts per person, setting daily spending caps, providing clear withdrawal processes, and offering voluntary self-exclusion options. The bill also mandates advertising restrictions, including prohibiting targeted promotions to minors, requiring age disclosures, and banning ads in college facilities or social media appealing to underage users. Operators must conspicuously display responsible gambling resources, time spent on platforms, and account balances on their websites.

Maddy summaryHB 5292 exempts sales of tangible personal property or services to qualifying military and veterans' organizations from state sales and use taxes. The bill specifically targets organizations recognized under IRS Section 501(c)(19) (veterans' organizations) and requires them to provide documentation, such as a Treasury Department determination letter or an existing exemption permit, to prove eligibility at the time of purchase. This exemption applies to items used exclusively for the organization's established purposes, with the organization liable for taxes if items are misused. The change takes effect October 1, 2026, for all sales occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summarySB 373 would allow volunteer firefighters, volunteer fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members in Connecticut to deduct stipends they receive for their service from their state personal income tax. The bill amends the state tax code to add these stipends as a deductible expense, effective January 1, 2027. This change directly affects individuals who serve on volunteer emergency response teams and receive monetary stipends for their work. The provision aligns with existing tax deductions for certain income types but specifically targets volunteer emergency service compensation. It does not change federal tax treatment of these stipends.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new lump sum death benefit of $100,000 for surviving families of first responders who die from firefighter cancer while performing their duties. It creates a dedicated "Fallen Hero Fund" to finance these payments and expands the definition of firefighter cancer to include various types of cancer affecting multiple body systems. The law applies to first responders including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, and ensures these benefits are paid in addition to any other compensation or survivor benefits they may receive.

Maddy summaryHB 5046 modifies existing tuition waiver policies at Connecticut's community colleges and universities to specifically support public safety personnel. It waives tuition for current police officers (with 5+ years service) and firefighters (with 5+ years service), as well as for their dependents if the officer or firefighter was killed in the line of duty. The bill also expands waivers to include students enrolled in state fire school programs and police academy coordination courses. These changes apply to Connecticut State Community College and Connecticut State University System programs, effective July 1, 2026. The policy directly affects active and retired public safety workers and their families by reducing education costs.

Maddy summaryHB 5403 ensures health insurance coverage for survivors of certain public safety workers killed in the line of duty. It requires nonstate public employers to continue health coverage for survivors of unpaid volunteer firefighters, correction officers, or state marshals for one year (renewable annually up to five years) if coverage existed before death. If no coverage existed, employers must help survivors enroll in a partnership plan under the Comptroller’s program for up to five years. The bill specifically defines "unpaid volunteer firefighter" and expands eligibility under existing health insurance provisions for these workers’ survivors.

Maddy summaryHB 5059 creates a 6% tax credit against personal income tax for pass-through entities (such as S-corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships) that incur research and development expenses. The credit directly applies to business owners who pay personal income tax, reducing their tax liability by 6% of qualifying R&D costs. Key provisions require businesses to pay or incur eligible R&D expenses during a taxable year to claim the credit. This policy change lowers the tax burden for small businesses and entrepreneurs investing in innovation, without altering tax rates or creating new regulations.