Rep. Hilda Santiago

Maddy summaryHB 5385 requires the Workers' Compensation Commission to study why police officers and firefighters face delays in their workers' compensation claims. The study must examine specific causes, including administrative processing, medical provider scheduling issues, and insurer authorization requirements. The Commission must complete this study and submit a report to the legislature by January 1, 2027, to identify potential solutions for reducing delays. This bill does not change existing claim procedures but aims to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill implements recommendations from the Department of Transportation by requiring utility companies to maintain infrastructure within state highway rights-of-way and establishing new standards for electric vehicle charging at state facilities. The legislation mandates that utility companies install, repair, and replace service connections in state highway areas, with larger companies needing permits for work on public roads. Additionally, the bill sets a target for state bus fleets to include at least 30% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and requires new state facilities with public parking to have 8% of spaces designed for future electric vehicle charging. State agencies managing EV charging stations will be restricted from allowing non-charging vehicles to occupy those spaces, though exceptions exist for vehicles that can charge without being plugged in. These changes affect utility providers, state transportation infrastructure, and public parking policies across Connecticut.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.

Maddy summarySB 116 requires hotels, motels, and similar lodging operators to share tax payment records with consumer protection officials monthly and maintain guest transaction records for six months. It mandates employee training on recognizing human trafficking signs and conducting annual awareness campaigns, with certification required in personnel files. The bill also prohibits offering hourly discounts (12 hours or less) for rooms to prevent trafficking tactics. Violations carry $5,000 civil penalties per offense, enforced by the Consumer Protection Department through audits and inspections. The law directly affects lodging businesses and aims to strengthen trafficking prevention through transparency and staff education.

Maddy summarySB 5 (AN ACT CONCERNING ONLINE SAFETY) requires subscription-based AI providers (e.g., companies offering AI tools via paid plans) to give consumers clear, written disclosures about subscription terms before signing or renewing. This includes detailing any usage limits, such as restrictions based on user behavior or changes to prior terms. The bill also establishes new safety rules for "frontier developers" of advanced AI systems ("foundation models"), defining "catastrophic risk" as scenarios where AI could cause mass harm (e.g., aiding weapon creation or severe physical injury) and mandating risk assessments by covered employees. It does not ban specific AI uses but sets transparency and safety protocols for high-risk systems. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut's compulsory education laws to allow parents to choose between public school, private school, or home-based equivalent instruction for children aged five to seventeen. It requires parents to formally notify their local school district each year of their chosen educational path and mandates that districts provide information about available educational options. The legislation also raises the age at which students can voluntarily withdraw from school from seventeen to eighteen years old and clarifies definitions for equivalent instruction and nonpublic schools.

Maddy summaryHB 5004 requires child welfare agencies to conduct background checks before placing a child with a relative or non-licensed caregiver in an emergency situation. Specifically, agencies must complete a federal criminal history search and check the child abuse registry within 10 days, followed by state/national criminal records checks; refusal to provide fingerprints triggers immediate child removal. The bill also mandates that courts prioritize placing children with relatives or "fictive kin" (close family friends) over other options when safety allows, and requires written documentation for all placement decisions. This directly affects child welfare agencies, relatives/fictive kin caregivers, and courts handling emergency child safety cases.

Maddy summaryHB 5406 establishes a new ribbon and medal to honor Connecticut veterans and reserve members who served during wartime while residing in the state or being domiciled there at the time of the award. It creates eligibility for veterans called to active duty in wartime or reserve members serving during wartime, with awards potentially given posthumously to those who died after November 12, 1918. The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Adjutant General will administer the award process, including designing the ribbon/medal and distributing it using existing military funds. This bill amends Connecticut General Statute §27-73e to implement the honorific award, with no financial or benefit changes beyond the ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies, and appliances, and eliminates a 1% tax on meals sold by grocery stores. It creates new tax credits for homeowners (increasing the existing credit), caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, and renters earning $75,000 or less for primary residence costs. These changes directly lower tax burdens for Connecticut residents, particularly lower- and middle-income households. The bill modifies sales tax rules and expands income tax credits to improve affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a rapid response program to quickly address new or spreading aquatic invasive plant species in Connecticut waterbodies, primarily affecting state agencies and property owners near affected lakes and ponds. It requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to expedite permits for containment efforts, especially for hydrilla, and allows the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species to coordinate immediate treatment without requiring separate notices to waterfront property owners. The legislation creates an interagency task force to develop response protocols and a statewide management plan, while also mandating that public health officials review permits for treatments near drinking water sources.