Rep. Bill Pizzuto

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to review reporting requirements for nonprofit human services providers and eliminate those that are overly burdensome or duplicative. The review process, which begins in January 2028, will assess the number of reports, overlapping information, preparation time, and how agencies use the data, with the goal of reducing unnecessary paperwork for organizations providing health and human services. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies pay private providers within 45 days after receiving a completed claim or service, whichever occurs later, to improve cash flow for service providers. These changes apply to nonprofits delivering services for physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and behavioral health.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new crime called digital forgery, which applies to anyone who creates and shares fake images or audio recordings of people with the intent to cause financial harm. The law defines a digitally forged likeness as content that looks or sounds real but was created using computer systems without the person's consent. It makes this a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether the act was part of a larger scheme, but it exempts law enforcement officers acting in their official duties. The bill also protects online platforms from liability unless they knew the content was being created or shared illegally.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements and oversight for justices of the peace in Connecticut, affecting those appointed to the position and the Secretary of the State. It mandates that newly appointed justices complete a training manual within 30 days and prohibits them from performing fraudulent marriages or using their title for commercial endorsements. The Secretary of the State gains authority to investigate misconduct and can issue warnings, reprimands, or revoke appointments for negligence, fraud, or unlawful actions. Additionally, the bill creates a process for filling vacancies in municipalities that increase the number of justices, allowing political parties to nominate candidates for these positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Labor Commissioner to establish a centralized online resource for workforce development information by January 1, 2027. The new web page will serve as a repository containing job training details, career counseling resources, and links to relevant organizations and regional partnerships. The Labor Commissioner must update the site quarterly by soliciting information from reputable providers. This change primarily affects job seekers, employers, and workforce development agencies by consolidating scattered resources into one accessible location.

Maddy summaryHB 5165 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Health to evaluate whether the Attorney General should have authority to petition courts for a receiver (a court-appointed manager) to oversee hospitals facing severe financial trouble or operational crises. The commissioner must complete this assessment and submit a report to the legislature by October 1, 2027. This bill does not create new receiver authority but mandates a formal review of the process to determine if it should be implemented. It directly affects hospitals in financial distress or operational crisis by potentially enabling court intervention to stabilize their operations.

Maddy summarySB 367 establishes a working group to study roadside safety for wreckers and towing professionals. The group, including state safety committee leaders, emergency services and transportation commissioners, and a towing industry representative, will evaluate issues like vehicle lighting standards and worker protection methods. It must submit findings and recommendations to the relevant committee by January 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future safety policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Small Business Affairs within Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development to provide dedicated support to small businesses, with particular focus on those owned by minorities and economically disadvantaged individuals. The office will coordinate existing state programs, serve as a central contact point for business owners seeking financial and technical assistance, and maintain an updated online resource directory. A designated employee will offer concierge services to help small businesses navigate available economic development projects and programs. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and requires an annual budget of approximately $109,500 in the first year.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new consumer protections for long-term care insurance policies in Connecticut, affecting insurance companies, policyholders, and state agencies. It requires the Office of Policy and Management to create an outreach program educating consumers about long-term care options, financing, and asset protection rules. The bill mandates that insurance policies must offer home and community-based services, include inflation protection, and cannot tie executive compensation to rate increases. Additionally, insurers must maintain a minimum 60% loss ratio, and any premium increases of 20% or more must be spread over at least three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Connecticut Comptroller to study the feasibility and cost of creating a stipend program for Civil Air Patrol members who miss work to respond to state or federal emergencies, natural disasters, or required training. The study would focus on members who are absent from their jobs to assist with Governor-declared emergencies, requests from federal agencies like the Air Force or Coast Guard, or participation in mandatory emergency services training. The Comptroller must submit a report on the study's findings to the relevant legislative committee by January 1, 2027. Currently, the bill does not establish the stipend program itself but rather requires an analysis to determine if such a program is practical and affordable to implement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily choose supporters who help them understand and communicate their personal and financial decisions without removing their decision-making authority. The law requires a written agreement signed by the adult, their chosen supporters, and two witnesses, and mandates that businesses, government agencies, medical providers, and schools must recognize and respect these agreements. Supporters can assist with accessing information, making appointments, and advocating for the adult's wishes, but they are prohibited from making decisions on behalf of the adult or exerting undue influence. The Department of Aging and Disability Services will create a program to educate adults and families about this option, and third parties who rely on these agreements in good faith will be protected from liability.