Maddy summaryHB 5036 creates a standardized, automated online system (the "smart solar permitting platform") to streamline building permits for residential solar installations under 12 kilowatts. The bill requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Administrative Services to develop or implement this platform by July 2028, enabling instant permit issuance for compliant rooftop solar systems after automated review against building codes. Municipalities must adopt this platform or an equivalent alternative by January 2029, update fee schedules to reflect reduced administrative costs, and submit compliance reports. This directly affects homeowners installing small solar systems and local governments handling solar permitting, reducing approval times from days or weeks to near-instantaneous for eligible projects.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 195 creates a pilot program to establish four overdose prevention centers across Connecticut municipalities, directly serving people with substance use disorder. These centers provide free drug testing strips, overdose education, counseling, safe consumption under medical supervision, and referrals to treatment services. The bill grants legal protection to healthcare providers who administer overdose reversal drugs (like naloxone) at these centers, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The pilot requires local government approval and includes an advisory committee with diverse stakeholders to guide implementation and safety measures.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows homeowners to rent up to three bedrooms in their single-family home for six months or longer without needing special municipal approval. It directly affects single-family homeowners (who can rent bedrooms without permits) and municipalities (which can no longer ban such rentals through zoning rules). The key mechanism amends zoning laws to prohibit local bans on this rental type, making it "as of right" (meaning no special permit is required). This applies only to owner-occupants living in the home, not absentee landlords.
Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 2-cent-per-ounce tax on distributors of sweetened beverages, syrups, and powders sold to retailers within the state, with the revenue dedicated to funding a universal free school meals program. The tax applies to products containing added sugar or nonnutritive sweeteners but excludes milk-based beverages, 100% fruit or vegetable juices, water, infant formula, and medical beverages. Distributors must file monthly tax returns electronically and make payments by electronic funds transfer, while sales to government entities and certain resellers are exempt from the tax. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and establishes specific definitions for covered products to clarify which items are subject to taxation.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new lump sum death benefit of $100,000 for surviving families of first responders who die from firefighter cancer while performing their duties. It creates a dedicated "Fallen Hero Fund" to finance these payments and expands the definition of firefighter cancer to include various types of cancer affecting multiple body systems. The law applies to first responders including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, and ensures these benefits are paid in addition to any other compensation or survivor benefits they may receive.
Maddy summarySB 386 requires the use of ranked-choice voting in certain elections starting in 2028, including most primaries (except presidential preference primaries until April 2028), municipal elections, and presidential preference primaries. This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd) rather than voting for just one candidate. Ballots must be designed to let voters rank all candidates, and tabulation occurs in rounds: the least-preferred candidate is eliminated each round until one candidate achieves a majority of votes. The bill applies to elections for single-office positions and mandates that the Secretary of the State approves ballot formats and instructions.
Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Connecticut's existing anti-discrimination statute with new provisions specifically addressing pregnancy-related discrimination. It directly affects pregnant employees and employers by requiring reasonable accommodations (like modified schedules, breaks, or light duty) and prohibiting termination or denial of leave due to pregnancy. Key mechanisms include defining "pregnancy" broadly to cover childbirth and lactation, clarifying "reasonable accommodation," and establishing standards for "undue hardship" based on employer resources. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and explicitly prohibits employment discrimination based on pregnancy in hiring, promotion, or terms of employment. (Note: The bill title mentions "nondisclosure agreements," but the text focuses solely on pregnancy protections; the title appears inaccurate based on the provided content.)
Maddy summaryHB 5434 requires that political parties must have received at least 1% of the votes for a specific office in the last election to be recognized for including their designation on candidate nominating petitions. This bill defines a "minor party" as one that is not a major party and whose candidate received at least 1% of the votes for the relevant office in the previous election. It affects candidates and political parties seeking to run under a party label on petitions for state or local offices, ensuring only parties with demonstrated voter support can be listed. The law, effective January 1, 2027, updates the process for applying for nominating petitions to include this threshold requirement.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 37) proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Connecticut's state constitution, establishing enforceable environmental rights for all residents. It would guarantee every person the right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a stable climate, requiring the state to protect these rights equitably regardless of race, gender, income, or location. The amendment also mandates the state to conserve natural resources and prohibits avoidable environmental harm or diversion of funds meant for environmental protection. If approved by voters in November 2026, this would become a permanent part of Connecticut's constitution, directly affecting all residents and future generations.
Maddy summarySB 395 establishes a task force to study strategies for achieving 100% voter participation in the state by 2030, including examining policies requiring voting as a civic duty and assessing election administration needs. The task force, composed of legislative leaders, state officials, and gubernatorial appointees, must report findings and recommendations by February 2027, including potential funding for municipal efforts. The bill also authorizes local governments to create pilot programs - within existing resources - to boost voter engagement, such as outreach campaigns, without mandating new voting requirements. It focuses on research and local experimentation, not direct policy changes to election laws.