Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the intentional addition of PFAS chemicals to a wide range of consumer products, including mattresses, clothing, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies, effective October 1, 2024. It defines specific categories such as children's products, outdoor apparel, and cookware to clarify which items are subject to the new limits while excluding certain uses deemed essential for health and safety. Manufacturers must ensure that PFAS are not deliberately included in these goods unless they are unavoidable for the product's function and no safer alternative exists. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "intentionally added" and "currently unavoidable use" to guide regulatory enforcement.
Rep. Mary Fortier
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules for wheelchair dealers in the state to ensure timely repairs and better customer service for people who use wheelchairs. Effective October 1, 2024, dealers selling or leasing wheelchairs must fix them within ten days of a request and provide home repairs for specialized medical wheelchairs upon demand. The law also requires dealers to maintain a phone line for repair requests, respond within one business day, and keep enough parts in stock to complete repairs efficiently. Dealers can charge fees for out-of-warranty repairs but cannot penalize customers for defects caused by abuse or neglect. Violations of these requirements will be treated as unfair trade practices and may result in penalties for those who contract with the Department of Social Services.
Maddy summaryHB 5491 establishes a new property tax exemption for Connecticut veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill allows these veterans to exempt their primary residence from taxation, or if they lack a home, one motor vehicle garaged in the state. To qualify, veterans must submit proof of their disability rating to their local town assessor, with retroactive refunds available for up to three years if they missed the initial filing deadline. Additionally, the act modifies an existing lower-level disability exemption, increasing the property value threshold for veterans with non-permanent-and-total disabilities and adjusting amounts based on age and disability severity.