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 summaryThis resolution approves an existing collective bargaining agreement between Charter Oak State College (COSC) and SEIU Local 1973, which represents approximately 250 adjunct faculty members who teach two or more college credits. The agreement includes a 6.49% wage increase for undergraduate faculty, 5.45% for graduate faculty, a $44 hourly rate for ad-hoc assignments, a $300 new-hire payment, a $20,000 professional development fund, and $2,000 annual stipends for faculty team leads. The agreement is retroactive to the fall 2024 semester, requiring catch-up payments upon approval, and will cost COSC $323,434 annually starting in fiscal year 2026. It directly affects adjunct faculty at Charter Oak State College through updated compensation and benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 6831 prioritizes state infrastructure grants for municipalities meeting specific transit access criteria. It defines "qualifying transit-oriented communities" as those with bus/rail stations within half-mile zones of designated transit districts or near downtown areas. Eligible municipalities must adopt a resolution and apply for priority access to state grants used exclusively for projects like housing, commercial spaces, or transit improvements within these districts. The bill directly affects local governments seeking state funding for transit-focused development, requiring adherence to zoning standards for denser, mixed-use projects near transit.

Maddy summarySB 1553 modifies Connecticut's voting rules for special elections and municipal funding. It excludes April 20, 2025, from the early voting period before special elections (which normally runs five days prior, excluding holidays), affecting voters participating in those elections. The bill also suspends a spending cap on municipal revenue sharing funds, allowing towns and cities to use more of these state funds for general operations without the previous limit. This directly impacts Connecticut municipalities receiving revenue sharing grants and voters in upcoming special elections.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to change the term lengths for state legislators. Currently, members of the state legislature serve two-year terms. The amendment would establish a new cycle where, after each U.S. Census redistricting, the first two elected terms would be four years long, followed by a two-year term. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, this change would affect all state senators and representatives elected in subsequent cycles. The resolution must first pass the legislature with a three-quarter vote to appear on the ballot.

Maddy summaryHB 6249 limits appeals for residential building permits under Connecticut's Environmental Protection Act. It requires courts to hold an expedited hearing within 30 days if a party requests one, where intervenors (like environmental groups) must prove a project is "reasonably likely" to unreasonably pollute or harm natural resources. If they fail to meet this standard, the court must dismiss the appeal. The bill applies specifically to permits for structures with dwelling units, such as new homes or renovations. This change streamlines judicial reviews for residential projects without imposing new costs on state or local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 7269 creates a personal income tax deduction for renters in Connecticut who live in the state as their primary residence. It allows eligible residents to deduct 20% to 50% of their rent paid annually, based on federal adjusted gross income: 50% (max $4,000) for singles earning under $75,000 or couples filing jointly under $125,000; 35% (max $2,800) for middle-income earners; and 20% (max $1,600) for higher earners. The deduction applies only to rent for primary residences under lease agreements, excluding security deposits, short-term rentals, or cooperative housing payments. It takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires taxpayers to provide documentation to verify eligibility.

Maddy summaryHB 7144 establishes a dedicated "regional planning incentive account" to fund regional councils of governments (RCGs) for hiring staff. Starting in fiscal year 2026, each RCG will receive $400,000 specifically to fund three positions, including a regional building inspector focused on supporting housing development. Additional funds totaling $7 million will be distributed annually based on a formula combining a base payment and population-based allocation using census data. RCGs must submit annual proposals detailing how funds will improve service efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or quality in regional planning. This bill directly affects Connecticut's 11 regional councils formed under state law.