Rep. Chris Poulos

Maddy summaryHB 5952 requires Connecticut to expand its natural gas supply infrastructure and removes costs for electric vehicle (EV) incentives from the Combined Public Benefits Charge - a fee added to electricity bills that funds energy programs. This means EV incentive programs will no longer be funded through that specific charge, shifting the cost burden elsewhere, though the incentives themselves remain unchanged. The bill directly affects electricity ratepayers (who pay the charge) and EV programs that rely on this funding source. It does not eliminate EV incentives but alters how their costs are covered within the state's energy finance system.

Maddy summaryHB 5831 appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to Connecticut's Department of Social Services for the Nutrition Assistance Program in fiscal year 2026, with a 15% annual increase thereafter. The bill amends existing law to allow soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency shelters to charge a handling fee of up to five cents per pound (instead of being required to pay it) to cover costs through the Connecticut Food Bank. This funding directly supports the supplemental nutrition commodities program serving low-income residents. The key change simplifies cost recovery for food assistance providers while increasing state funding for the program.

Maddy summaryHB 5578 creates a State Interpreting Standards Board within the Bureau of Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing. The board will establish standards for professional interpreters and recommend penalties for violating these state requirements. This bill directly affects interpreters providing services to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals, aiming to improve the quality and consistency of interpreting services they receive.

Maddy summaryHB 5586 would expand eligibility for the state employee health insurance plan to include volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance service members who work a minimum required number of hours. This bill amends existing law to allow these volunteers to join the group hospitalization and medical insurance plan already provided to state employees. The key provision requires volunteers to meet a specified minimum hour threshold to qualify for coverage. It directly affects volunteer emergency responders in fire and ambulance services who meet the hour requirement, without creating new insurance benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 5649 designates a 18-mile stretch of Interstate 84 (from Waterbury exit 18 to New Britain exit 36) as a traffic safety corridor. It requires the Commissioner of Transportation to implement specific safety measures, including increased law enforcement presence and public awareness campaigns, along both eastbound and westbound lanes. The bill directly affects drivers traveling this corridor by focusing on reducing traffic accidents through these targeted interventions. The legislation aims to improve roadway safety through concrete, on-the-ground actions rather than new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5751 requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to study the feasibility of creating new municipal electric utility companies and the support structures needed for them. The study will examine whether such utilities could be established effectively and what resources or systems would be necessary to support them. This bill does not create new utilities or change current laws, but rather mandates a research report to inform future decisions. It directly affects the Commissioner's office and municipalities considering public utility options.

Maddy summaryHB 5427 would prohibit the sale of kratom products to anyone under 21 years of age. This law directly affects retailers and vendors selling kratom, requiring them to verify customer age and refuse sales to those under 21. The key provision amends state statutes to establish a minimum age of 21 for purchasing kratom, aligning with existing restrictions for alcohol and tobacco. The bill aims to prevent underage access to kratom products through this clear age restriction.

Maddy summaryHB 5253 would amend state law to require the State Board of Education to include two active classroom teachers on its membership. These teachers must be certified, employed by a local or regional school district, and spend at least half their time teaching K-12 students in a classroom. The bill aims to ensure the board includes perspectives directly from educators currently working with students. This changes the board's composition by mandating specific teacher representation, rather than adding a new program or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5252 would lower the reimbursement threshold for school districts operating in-district special education programs. Currently, districts must spend at least 4.5 times the average per-pupil expenditure before receiving state reimbursement for special education costs; this bill reduces that threshold to 3 times. The change directly affects school districts that provide special education services within their own buildings, making it easier for them to qualify for state funding to cover those expenses. This is a concrete policy adjustment to state education finance, not a speculative outcome.

Maddy summaryHB 5121 allocates $50,000 from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to fund repairs and expansion of Southington's veterans memorial. The grant, administered through the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically covers correcting and adding names on memorial plaques. This bill directly affects Southington Town by providing dedicated funding for maintaining and enhancing its veterans memorial site.