Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes

Maddy summaryHB 5352 would prohibit students identified as biological males from competing on public school female-only athletic teams or using female-only locker rooms and facilities in interscholastic and intramural sports. The bill directly affects transgender and gender-diverse students in public schools who are assigned male at birth but participate in girls' sports or access girls' facilities. It amends state law to require schools to restrict participation and facility access based on biological sex, specifically for athletic teams and locker rooms designated for females. The policy change applies to all public school athletic programs and facilities covered under the state's education statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts seniors (65+), veterans, and active-duty military members from the "Passport to the Parks" motor vehicle registration fee. It amends existing law (section 14-49b) to remove these groups from the fee requirement for vehicle registration. The change directly affects eligible individuals by eliminating a $10 annual fee on vehicle registration, applying to all vehicles registered under their names. The policy change is administrative, requiring no new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5139 repeals the registration fee for diagnostic and therapeutic x-ray devices in Connecticut. This bill directly affects medical and dental providers who use these devices, as it eliminates an existing cost they previously paid to register the equipment. The key provision is a simple repeal of the fee under Section 22a-150 of the general statutes, with the stated purpose of reducing operating costs for these providers. The bill does not create new requirements or alter device safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 5140 would allow hunters to use a single-shot handgun (not a rifle) for deer hunting on specific private properties within this state, rather than requiring a rifle. It requires hunters to hold a special "private land revolver permit" to legally use this method on designated private lands. The bill directly affects landowners who allow hunting on their property and hunters seeking to use handguns for deer season, while maintaining existing regulations for public lands. This change modifies current hunting rules by expanding permitted weapons for deer on private property where allowed.

Maddy summaryHB 5168 requires retailers selling, fitting, or providing contact lenses to disclose at the point of sale that wearing lenses during activities like showering or swimming poses health risks, including potential blindness. This directly affects retailers who sell contact lenses to consumers. The key provision mandates this disclosure be provided when the customer purchases or receives the lenses. The bill aims to inform consumers about specific risks associated with certain activities while wearing contact lenses.

Maddy summaryHB 5183 limits legal liability for farms offering agritourism (like hayrides or farm visits) by requiring them to post visible signs informing visitors they assume inherent risks (such as uneven terrain or animal handling). This bill directly affects agricultural operations hosting agritourism activities and their visitors. The key provision mandates clear signage to shift liability for inherent activity risks away from farms, as stated in the bill's purpose to "limit the liability of agricultural operators." It does not change liability for negligence or unsafe conditions beyond the posted risks.

Maddy summaryHB 5209 prohibits the Governor or any municipality from changing or suspending laws related to firearms and ammunition during civil preparedness or public health emergencies. It specifically bars restrictions on lawful possession, purchase, sale, storage, transportation, or transfer of firearms or ammunition during such emergencies. The bill directly affects state and local officials who might otherwise issue emergency orders limiting firearm access. This policy change ensures existing firearm regulations remain in effect regardless of emergency declarations.

Maddy summaryHB 5200 requires every healthcare provider's office to post a written notice in the waiting room. This notice must inform patients about how long medical records must be kept by providers and explain how to request copies of their own records. The bill directly affects patients seeking transparency about their medical record handling. It aims to clarify standard record retention periods and access procedures without changing existing retention laws.

Maddy summarySB 541 allocates $1.5 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund the creation of Regional School District 20. The bill specifically directs this funding to the Department of Education and amends existing law to exempt it from the minimum budget requirement calculations for the new district. This funding is intended to support the establishment of the new regional school district, which will serve students in its designated area. The bill does not alter school operations or student eligibility but provides dedicated financial support for the district's formation.

Maddy summarySB 503 would allow local school boards to create voucher programs providing funds directly to parents or guardians of students. These vouchers could be used to cover tuition at any public school within the state, expanding school choice options. The bill removes existing restrictions on such programs and explicitly states it does not require students or parents to enroll in public schools, nor does it affect homeschooling rights. This change would apply directly to families with children in districts that adopt the program, without creating new enrollment mandates.