Rep. Jason Rojas

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts property transfers to public housing authorities from two state taxes: the real estate conveyance tax and the controlling interest transfer tax. It directly affects public housing authorities purchasing properties, removing a financial barrier to acquiring housing units for affordable housing programs. The key provision adds a specific exemption to the tax code (section 12-498(23)) for deeds made to public housing authorities in the state. This change reduces costs for public housing entities when acquiring properties, supporting their mission to provide affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHB 5977 exempts sales and use taxes on tangible personal property (like building materials) used in developing, constructing, or operating "mixed-income developments" certified by the state commissioner. This directly affects developers and contractors working on housing projects that include units for low-to-moderate income households, as defined by HUD median income standards. The bill requires purchasers to present a commissioner's certification and a certificate confirming the property will be used exclusively for the certified mixed-income development. It creates a new tax exemption category separate from existing exemptions for nonprofit housing, effective October 1, 2025. The policy change reduces costs for qualifying development projects while maintaining tax revenue for other transactions.

Maddy summaryHB 5983 sets a 9.35% sales tax rate for peer-to-peer car sharing services in Connecticut, applying to rentals of 30 days or less. This directly affects car-sharing platforms (like Turo or Getaround) and their users who rent vehicles through these services within the state. The bill amends Connecticut's tax code by adding peer-to-peer car sharing to subdivision (G)(ii) of the sales tax rate section, ensuring it's taxed at the same rate as traditional short-term car rentals (previously covered under subdivision G(i)). The change takes effect July 1, 2025, for all qualifying transactions occurring on or after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 5988 authorizes the state to issue up to $15 million in bonds to fund major repairs and upkeep of rail trails managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The bill directly affects DEEP, which would use the bond proceeds for capital maintenance and rehabilitation projects on these trails. Key provisions include setting a $15 million aggregate limit for bond issuance and requiring the funds to be used solely for trail rehabilitation, not general operations. This legislation provides dedicated funding for physical improvements to existing rail trails under DEEP's management.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how Connecticut assesses property taxes on motor vehicles and establishes stricter penalties for unpaid taxes. It requires tax collectors to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles when vehicle taxes are delinquent, which will prevent the DMV from issuing new registrations or renewing existing ones until the debt is cleared. Additionally, the legislation creates a standardized schedule for valuing vehicles based on depreciation and clarifies how electronic equipment and leased items are classified for tax purposes. These changes aim to streamline the assessment process and ensure that owners pay their local property taxes before they can legally register or renew their vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes the operating rules for the House of Representatives during the June 2024 special session, primarily by adopting the rules from the regular 2024 session with specific modifications. It allows bills to be considered and sent to the Senate immediately after electronic notice is given, streamlining the legislative process for urgent matters. The document also reorganizes the daily order of business and restricts which types of bills and resolutions can be introduced during this limited-time session.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue up to $100.1 million in state bonds to fund various construction, renovation, and improvement projects for state agencies. The funds are designated for specific initiatives, including repairs to the State Capitol, environmental cleanup at a former school, upgrades to department buildings, and the development of a secure residential treatment center. The legislation requires that requests for these funds be submitted by state officials and allows the bonds to mature over a period of up to twenty years. Additionally, the bill permits the use of federal, private, or other available money alongside state bond proceeds for these projects.

Maddy summaryHB 5523 directs federal American Rescue Plan funds to Connecticut state agencies for general government operations, human services, and education through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The bill allocates specific dollar amounts to various departments, including the Board of Regents for student retention and technology training, the Department of Developmental Services for caregiver support, and the Department of Economic and Community Development for grants to museums, aquariums, and community organizations. Additionally, the legislation provides funding for agricultural programs like farm-to-school initiatives and senior food vouchers, as well as operating support for public colleges and universities. These allocations aim to stabilize state programs and support local nonprofits and community venues during the specified biennium.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-run registry to help connect seniors and their families with qualified home care providers while improving oversight of these workers. Starting in 2025, the registry will allow users to search for caregivers based on specific skills like language proficiency and certifications, and it will also assist providers with recruitment, training, and benefits. The legislation mandates that agencies hiring home companions require new employees to complete training on recognizing and responding to harassment, abuse, and discrimination by clients. Additionally, the bill directs a state council to develop plans for better recruiting, training, and wage standards for personal care attendants to ensure higher quality care.

Maddy summaryHB 5491 establishes a new property tax exemption for Connecticut veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill allows these veterans to exempt their primary residence from taxation, or if they lack a home, one motor vehicle garaged in the state. To qualify, veterans must submit proof of their disability rating to their local town assessor, with retroactive refunds available for up to three years if they missed the initial filing deadline. Additionally, the act modifies an existing lower-level disability exemption, increasing the property value threshold for veterans with non-permanent-and-total disabilities and adjusting amounts based on age and disability severity.