Sen. Gary Winfield

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Connecticut to inform job applicants and employees when automated systems are used to make employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, or performance evaluations. Companies deploying these systems must disclose what personal data is being collected, how long it will be kept, who will access it, and provide options for applicants to opt out of data processing. The law also mandates that employees receive written notice before any employment decision is made, explaining the purpose of the automated system and the nature of the decision being made. Developers of these systems must provide necessary information to employers to ensure compliance, unless they have a contract assuming those responsibilities. The protections apply to various automated processes including resume screening, online interview analysis, and predictive assessments used in workplace decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Social Services to publish quarterly reports on financial and operational data for the fiscal intermediaries that manage Medicaid-funded personal care attendant programs, including timesheet accuracy, payroll errors, and customer service response times. It also mandates an annual compliance audit of these intermediaries by the Auditors of Public Accounts to ensure contract adherence. Additionally, the bill directs the Office of Policy and Management to conduct a cost-benefit analysis by October 1, 2026, to determine whether the state should take over fiscal intermediary duties from private contractors and whether personal care attendants without medical assistance eligibility should gain access to state-subsidized health insurance. These measures aim to increase transparency, improve program oversight, and evaluate potential administrative changes for self-directed home care services.

Maddy summarySB 195 creates a pilot program to establish four overdose prevention centers across Connecticut municipalities, directly serving people with substance use disorder. These centers provide free drug testing strips, overdose education, counseling, safe consumption under medical supervision, and referrals to treatment services. The bill grants legal protection to healthcare providers who administer overdose reversal drugs (like naloxone) at these centers, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The pilot requires local government approval and includes an advisory committee with diverse stakeholders to guide implementation and safety measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for sober living homes operating in the state, which are defined as alcohol-free and drug-free residences for unrelated adults recovering from substance use disorders without formal treatment services. The law mandates that certified homes report their status and operational details to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, maintain opioid antagonists on-site, provide annual opioid antagonist training to residents when needed, and submit annual reports on staffing, capacity, and compliance history. Additionally, operators are prohibited from advertising their homes as treatment facilities or making specific outcome claims, and must clearly state on their websites that they provide supportive housing rather than licensed treatment services. These provisions aim to increase transparency and standardize operations while clarifying the distinction between sober living homes and formal substance use disorder treatment facilities.

Maddy summarySB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how Connecticut public agencies and law enforcement can use automated license plate reader systems starting October 1, 2026. It limits their use to specific purposes like weighing station operations, vehicle maintenance, and comparing plates against criminal or missing person databases, while requiring most collected data to be deleted within seven days. The legislation also prohibits using this technology to monitor individuals based on protected characteristics such as race, gender identity, or immigration status, and bans collecting data near reproductive health facilities or immigrant-serving organizations.

Maddy summarySB 295 defines "legally protected health care activity" in Connecticut to include reproductive health care services (like contraception and pregnancy-related care) and gender-affirming health care services (such as treatment for gender dysphoria) permitted under state law. It allows healthcare providers, patients, or insurers to recover damages - including legal fees - if they face lawsuits or judgments in other states based on these services. The bill also states that Connecticut law governs all cases related to these services within the state, overriding conflicting out-of-state laws. This directly affects healthcare providers, patients receiving these services, and insurers offering coverage for them within Connecticut.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines what does not count as a political contribution under Connecticut election law, specifically clarifying exemptions for various activities and transactions. It directly affects political committees, candidates, donors, and online donation platforms by establishing clear boundaries for what is considered a contribution versus what is not. Key provisions include excluding loans from banks, internal communications to members, volunteer services, certain in-kind donations like food and lawn signs, and small-value purchases at fundraising events from the definition of contributions. The law also sets specific dollar limits on discounted food sales, property donations, and advertising purchases at fundraisers, while prohibiting certain state contractors and lobbyists from buying advertising space at political fundraising events. These changes aim to provide clearer guidance on campaign finance reporting and compliance for political organizations and their supporters.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 91) is a definitional update, not a substantive policy change. It repeals and replaces existing legal definitions in the statutes (specifically Section 53a-3) to standardize terms like "person," "physical injury," "deadly weapon," and "peace officer" for consistent legal interpretation. The bill does not create new laws, affect specific groups, or establish "protected areas" as its title suggests - those terms do not appear in the actual text. It solely clarifies terminology used in criminal and legal contexts across Connecticut statutes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution confirms the governor's nomination of Donna M. Wilkerson Brillant of Cromwell to serve as a Superior Court judge for an eight-year term beginning May 3, 2026. It formally approves her appointment without creating new laws or altering judicial procedures. The resolution was introduced by Senator Winfield (10th District) and Representative Stafstrom (129th District) and referred to the Judiciary Committee.