Rep. Lezlye Zupkus

Maddy summaryHB 6491 prioritizes allocation of rental assistance vouchers to individuals planning to use them in municipalities that have not met a 10% threshold for the affordable housing appeals procedure exemption. The bill requires the housing commissioner to focus voucher distribution on these underserved areas to promote housing choice and encourage use of the program in communities where it has historically been underutilized. Key provisions include directing the commissioner to affirmatively seek full annual expenditure of funds and establish rent levels that support broader program use across all municipalities. This change takes effect October 1, 2025, directly affecting voucher recipients and local housing markets in qualifying municipalities.

Maddy summaryHB 5544 imposes a registration fee on electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and levies a per-kilowatt-hour tax on electricity sold at public EV charging stations. This bill directly affects EV owners through the new registration fee and charging station operators through the electricity tax. Revenue generated from both the fee and tax must be deposited into the Special Transportation Fund. The policy change shifts funding for transportation infrastructure to include EV-related fees, rather than relying solely on traditional fuel taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 5549 restores the tax credit rate against the affected business entity tax to 93.01 percent. This bill directly affects businesses that pay the affected business entity tax by increasing the credit they can claim. The key provision amends Chapter 228z of the general statutes to return the credit rate to its prior level. This is a procedural adjustment to correct a previous reduction, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 5546 exempts clothing for children ten years old and younger from the state's sales and use taxes. This policy change directly affects parents and caregivers who purchase clothing for young children, removing a tax burden on these essential items. The bill amends existing tax law (section 12-412 of the general statutes) to specifically exclude such clothing from taxable sales. The purpose, as stated in the bill, is to provide tax relief for families on necessary children's apparel.

Maddy summaryHB 5026 exempts the sale, storage, use, and consumption of aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds (maximum certificated takeoff weight) from state sales and use taxes. This change directly affects owners, buyers, and sellers of small aircraft, such as personal or small business planes. The bill amends existing tax law to create a uniform exemption for this category of aircraft, removing a tax burden previously applied to their purchase and use. It does not apply to larger aircraft or other taxable items.

Maddy summaryHB 5360 prohibits all state agencies from advertising, marketing, or promoting recreational cannabis products, sales, consumption, or cannabis businesses. It directly affects state departments and agencies that might have previously run promotional campaigns related to cannabis. The bill explicitly bans activities encouraging cannabis use (including concentrates and infused beverages), promoting cannabis establishments, or supporting the recreational cannabis market. This amendment to existing cannabis regulations takes effect immediately upon passage and applies to all state agencies as defined by law.

Maddy summaryHB 6526 allows municipalities to publish legal notices (such as public hearings or property sales) on their official websites instead of solely in print newspapers. This bill directly affects local governments by giving them a new, cost-effective option for fulfilling notice requirements. The key provision amends existing law to explicitly authorize online publication as a valid method, while maintaining the requirement that notices remain accessible to the public. Municipalities would not be required to switch to online publishing but could choose this method if they prefer.

Maddy summaryHB 6510 would allow state and local police to hold undocumented immigrants for up to 48 hours without a court warrant if they are charged with a class A, B, or C felony or a crime of family violence, based solely on an ICE detainer request. This directly affects undocumented immigrants facing these specific criminal charges. The bill's key provision removes the requirement for a judicial warrant to temporarily detain such individuals while ICE processes their custody request. It does not change immigration status or lead to deportation but extends law enforcement's hold period for coordination with federal authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 6575 would allow dentists trained outside the United States to become licensed dental hygienists in Connecticut, provided they have practiced lawfully for at least five years in a foreign country and submit documentation of their foreign licensure and practice duration. The bill requires these dentists to meet additional competency standards set by the Department of Public Health. It directly affects foreign-trained dentists seeking to transition into dental hygiene roles within the state. The stated purpose is to address Connecticut's dental hygienist workforce needs and improve access to oral health care for residents.

Maddy summaryHB 6605 (2025) amends Connecticut's Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention to add one new member. This new member must represent an organization that promotes firearm safety and education. The bill does not change the commission's duties or create new policies - it only expands the commission's membership structure. As a procedural change, it directly affects the composition of the existing commission.