Rep. Billy Buckbee

Maddy summaryHB 5066 would adjust the income threshold for senior citizens' personal income tax deductions to automatically increase each year based on inflation. This change, affecting seniors who qualify for tax deductions, ensures the threshold keeps pace with rising living costs. The bill amends Section 12-701 of the general statutes to require this annual inflation adjustment. It directly impacts how much income seniors can earn before losing eligibility for the deduction.

Maddy summaryHB 5070 reestablishes the Job Expansion Tax Credit Program by amending section 12-217pp of the general statutes. The program provides tax credits to businesses that expand their workforce, reducing their state tax liability for qualifying job growth. This bill directly affects eligible businesses by restoring a tax credit opportunity previously established under the program. The legislation focuses on concrete policy restoration without specifying eligibility details or credit amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 5069 authorizes the state to issue bonds to fund road repairs in New Milford, specifically for projects recommended in the Department of Transportation's October 2024 Road Safety Audit report. The bond proceeds would be used by the DOT to provide a grant-in-aid directly to New Milford for completing these road improvements. This bill targets the town of New Milford and focuses on safety-related infrastructure upgrades identified in the audit. The funding mechanism is straightforward: state bonds → DOT grant → New Milford road projects.

Maddy summaryHB 5068 requires the state to reimburse municipalities 50% of the revenue they lose when granting veterans a property tax exemption under Section 12-81(83) of state law. This directly affects local governments that administer the veterans property tax credit program, covering the cost of lost property tax revenue. The bill establishes a clear reimbursement mechanism where the state funds half of the revenue shortfall caused by the exemption. It aims to offset the financial burden on municipalities without altering the existing veterans tax credit eligibility or administration rules.

Maddy summaryHB 5065 would create a personal income tax deduction for stipends paid to volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance members. The deduction applies to stipends received from municipalities, volunteer fire departments, or volunteer ambulance associations. This would reduce the taxable income of qualifying volunteers who receive these small payments for their service. The bill directly affects volunteer emergency responders in these roles who currently have no tax relief for such stipends.

Maddy summaryHB 5047 allocates $300,000 from the General Fund for the 2027 fiscal year to cover maintenance costs for helicopters used in statewide search and rescue operations. The funds are specifically designated for the New Milford Police Department’s helicopter fleet under the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. This bill provides direct financial support for maintaining critical aircraft used in emergency response across Connecticut. It does not change existing policies but ensures ongoing operational readiness for these life-saving services.

Maddy summaryHB 5008 creates the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission to formally promote economic collaboration between Connecticut businesses and Puerto Rico. The commission, composed of state officials and private sector representatives, will coordinate trade initiatives, identify market opportunities, and facilitate business connections between the two regions. It directly affects Connecticut businesses seeking to expand into Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican entities aiming to engage with Connecticut markets. The law establishes a structured mechanism for ongoing trade relationship development, moving beyond informal efforts to a dedicated state-led body.

Maddy summaryHB 5026 exempts the sale, storage, use, and consumption of aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds (maximum certificated takeoff weight) from state sales and use taxes. This change directly affects owners, buyers, and sellers of small aircraft, such as personal or small business planes. The bill amends existing tax law to create a uniform exemption for this category of aircraft, removing a tax burden previously applied to their purchase and use. It does not apply to larger aircraft or other taxable items.

Maddy summaryHB 5829 appropriates a specific sum from the General Fund to the Department of Transportation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to complete road improvements recommended in the October 2024 New Milford Road Safety Audit report. This bill directly affects road safety in the town of New Milford by funding specific infrastructure changes identified in the audit. The key provision requires the Department of Transportation to complete these recommended road work projects in a timely manner. The bill focuses solely on providing funding and a timeline for implementing the safety audit's findings.

Maddy summaryHB 5942 (2025) would amend Connecticut law to permit electric suppliers to purchase renewable energy credits from providers outside the state. This change directly affects electric utilities and energy providers operating in Connecticut by expanding their allowable sources for meeting renewable energy requirements. The key provision removes current restrictions, allowing suppliers to source these credits from out-of-state renewable energy projects. The bill focuses solely on enabling this purchasing option without altering existing renewable energy targets or requirements.