Rep. Josh Elliott

Maddy summarySB 921 would impose a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (like sodas and energy drinks) sold in the state. The revenue generated from this tax would be dedicated exclusively to fund free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students, regardless of their family's income level. The bill directly affects beverage manufacturers (who pay the tax) and all public school students (who would receive the meals at no cost). This policy change aims to create universal access to school meals by redirecting tax revenue from a specific industry.

Maddy summaryHB 5986 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (up to three children) against personal income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families filing taxes, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive the full amount even if their tax liability is zero. This policy provides direct cash support to qualifying households with children, reducing their overall tax burden.

Maddy summarySB 740 establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with up to three children in the state. Starting in 2025, it provides $150 per child, phasing up to $600 per child over three years. The credit is reduced for higher-income households, with phase-outs beginning at $100,000 for single filers, $160,000 for heads of household, and $200,000 for joint filers. This policy directly affects low-to-moderate income families with children, offering tax refunds even if they owe no income tax.

Maddy summaryHB 5615 establishes a formal procedure for municipal registrars of vital statistics to process requests identifying graves or other burial sites. It directly affects local officials who handle vital records by creating a standardized process for these requests. The bill does not change burial laws or rights but streamlines how communities can officially document interment locations. This is a procedural measure with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 6916 bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on most public and private turf (like golf courses, lawns, and municipal properties) and for corn, wheat, and soybean crops starting January 1, 2028. It also prohibits selling or distributing neonicotinoid-treated agricultural seeds for these crops after January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is granted. The bill allows temporary exceptions for environmental emergencies (approved by the Environmental Protection Commissioner) and requires farmers seeking waivers for seed treatments to undergo pest risk assessments, complete integrated pest management training, and prove less harmful alternatives aren't feasible. These provisions directly affect property managers, municipalities, and farmers in Connecticut.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut's medical cannabis program by clarifying key terms like "medical cannabis caregiver" and "qualifying patient," and introduces new definitions for "plant canopy" and "incidental cannabis material." It allows qualifying patients and their caregivers to cultivate more cannabis under specific area, security, odor mitigation, and fee requirements, while capping certain cannabis testing laboratory fees. The bill also adds new anti-discrimination protections for patients and caregivers and modifies how the Department of Consumer Protection enforces rules and issues registration certificates. These changes aim to refine the legal framework for the state's palliative-use cannabis market.

Maddy summarySB 430 prohibits licensed pharmacies, manufacturers, and medical device businesses within the state from manufacturing, selling, distributing, or supplying any drug or medical device intended for use in carrying out the death penalty. The bill directly affects healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals and entities operating under state licensure. It establishes a clear legal restriction on their participation in execution-related processes by banning specific actions involving drugs or devices used for that purpose. The law aims to prevent state-licensed entities from facilitating lethal injection procedures. This is a policy change restricting certain commercial activities related to capital punishment methods.

Maddy summaryHB 6811 establishes a pilot program to prevent the "benefits cliff," where low-income individuals or families suddenly lose critical public benefits (like healthcare or housing assistance) when their income rises slightly above a threshold. It requires state agencies - including Social Services, Early Childhood, Labor, and Housing - to collaborate on this program based on recommendations from a prior report (Special Act 24-8). The pilot will test strategies to phase out benefits gradually as income increases, ensuring continued support without abrupt cuts. This directly affects low-income residents in Connecticut who rely on public benefits but face financial instability due to current eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 6752 adjusts key budget calculation rules to refine how the state manages spending limits. It changes the inflation measure used for budget adjustments to include all items (not just seasonal averages), excludes certain retirement system payments from budget calculations, and requires the Treasurer to include economic impact analyses for bond projects. These changes directly affect the state's budgeting process, altering how spending caps and revenue transfers are calculated. The bill aims to make budget adjustments more stable and transparent by updating specific financial formulas and adding analysis requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 6471 requires all qualified voters to cast a ballot in elections by amending state election laws. This bill directly affects eligible voters who meet standard requirements (such as age and residency) in all elections covered by the statute. The key provision mandates that each qualified elector must participate by voting, without specifying enforcement methods or penalties. The bill's purpose is to establish universal voting as a legal requirement under state law.