Rep. Craig Fishbein

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts seniors (65+), veterans, and active-duty military members from the "Passport to the Parks" motor vehicle registration fee. It amends existing law (section 14-49b) to remove these groups from the fee requirement for vehicle registration. The change directly affects eligible individuals by eliminating a $10 annual fee on vehicle registration, applying to all vehicles registered under their names. The policy change is administrative, requiring no new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5185 requires state and municipal union contracts and related employee notices to include a clear, visible statement informing public employees they can choose not to join a union. This affects all public employees covered by collective bargaining agreements in Connecticut. The bill mandates this disclosure be included in all relevant union contracts and notices, ensuring employees are explicitly aware of their existing right to opt out of union membership. It does not change union membership requirements but ensures transparency about the opt-out option.

Maddy summaryHB 5165 requires applicants to prove they have paid all personal property taxes on tools or equipment used in their profession before renewing professional or occupational licenses. This applies directly to licensed professionals (like doctors, contractors, or accountants) who rely on personal property for their work. The bill mandates that state licensing boards cannot process renewals until applicants verify current tax payments, linking license status to property tax compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 5157 requires voters to present a current, valid photo identification displaying their name and residential address before casting a ballot at polling places. This bill directly affects all voters in the state who participate in elections. The key provision mandates that election officials verify this photo ID during the voter check-in process, replacing the current method of voter registration confirmation. The bill does not alter voter eligibility but adds a specific identification requirement for voting.

Maddy summaryHB 5158 would withdraw Connecticut from the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, ending the state's commitment to award its electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote. This bill repeals Connecticut's existing law (section 9-175a) that implemented the compact, meaning the state will no longer pledge its 7 electoral votes to the national popular vote winner. Consequently, Connecticut's electoral votes will continue to be allocated based on the winner of the state's own popular vote in presidential elections. The bill directly affects how Connecticut's electoral votes are cast in future presidential contests.

Maddy summaryHB 5186 requires public employees to vote every four years on whether to keep their current union, select a new union, or have no union representation. To maintain exclusive bargaining status, a union must secure votes from a majority of *all* employees in the unit (not just union members), and voting must be secret via phone, internet, or other methods. If no vote occurs within the four-year period, the current union loses its designation, and a new election must be held. The bill also prohibits a union from reorganizing the same unit within one year after losing its designation. This directly affects public employees in collective bargaining units across state and local government.

Maddy summaryHB 5190 authorizes municipalities in Connecticut to adopt local ordinances banning street takeovers (temporary street closures for events) and impose fines for violations. This bill directly affects cities and towns, which can now create their own rules, and event organizers who might hold such gatherings. The key mechanism is granting local governments the power to prohibit these activities through formal ordinances, with penalties specified in the local rules. The bill does not create statewide rules but gives municipalities flexibility to address street closures locally.

Maddy summaryHB 5191 allows municipalities to publish legal notices (like meeting announcements or public hearings) on their official websites instead of in print newspapers. This directly affects local governments, giving them a new option for fulfilling public notice requirements. The key provision amends statutes to explicitly permit online posting as a valid alternative to newspaper publication. The bill does not change existing notice content or requirements, only the method of distribution.

Maddy summaryHB 5188 requires municipal zoning commissions to delay issuing certificates of occupancy for new buildings until all legal agreements (like easements) included in an approved site plan are fully signed and recorded. This directly affects developers who must complete these agreements before a building can be legally occupied. The key mechanism gives local zoning commissions the authority to withhold occupancy certificates until all parties involved in the site plan have finalized their legal obligations. The bill aims to ensure developers follow approved site plans before construction is finalized.

Maddy summaryHB 5209 prohibits the Governor or any municipality from changing or suspending laws related to firearms and ammunition during civil preparedness or public health emergencies. It specifically bars restrictions on lawful possession, purchase, sale, storage, transportation, or transfer of firearms or ammunition during such emergencies. The bill directly affects state and local officials who might otherwise issue emergency orders limiting firearm access. This policy change ensures existing firearm regulations remain in effect regardless of emergency declarations.