Sen. Martin Looney

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut's Temporary Family Assistance program to help prevent families from losing benefits when they earn more money, a situation known as a benefits cliff. It allows the state to run a separate, fully state-funded version of the program to avoid federal financial penalties while keeping the same eligibility rules as the federal program. The legislation also creates specific exemptions from the 36-month time limit for families with incapacitated or elderly caretakers, pregnant women, and minor parents finishing high school, and permits up to two six-month extensions for families facing barriers like domestic violence or low income.

Maddy summaryHB 5092 prevents landlords from imposing sudden rent hikes when a rental property is sold to a new owner. It directly affects renters in properties transferred within the previous 12 months and landlords who purchase such properties. The bill caps rent increases for these properties at either 5% or the annual consumer price index (CPI) rise - whichever is higher - unless the new owner completed major renovations costing over $50,000 per unit. If renovations were done, the new owner must justify a higher increase through a fair rent commission review; otherwise, the standard cap applies. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Connecticut's existing anti-discrimination statute with new provisions specifically addressing pregnancy-related discrimination. It directly affects pregnant employees and employers by requiring reasonable accommodations (like modified schedules, breaks, or light duty) and prohibiting termination or denial of leave due to pregnancy. Key mechanisms include defining "pregnancy" broadly to cover childbirth and lactation, clarifying "reasonable accommodation," and establishing standards for "undue hardship" based on employer resources. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, and explicitly prohibits employment discrimination based on pregnancy in hiring, promotion, or terms of employment. (Note: The bill title mentions "nondisclosure agreements," but the text focuses solely on pregnancy protections; the title appears inaccurate based on the provided content.)

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 establishes a voluntary program requiring participating hospitals to provide financial assistance to patients based on their income levels and insurance status. Hospitals that opt in must offer free care to uninsured patients with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, subsidized care for those between 200% and 300%, and income-based payment plans for patients up to 400% of the poverty level who receive certain government nutrition assistance. The law also mandates that hospitals simplify the application process by limiting required documentation, exempting homeless patients from paperwork, and providing information in multiple languages. Additionally, the state will reimburse participating hospitals through Medicaid funds to offset the costs of providing this expanded financial assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Connecticut's Department of Social Services to seek legislative committee approval before submitting Medicaid waiver applications or state plan amendments to the federal government. The legislation mandates that joint standing committees review these proposals within 30 days, hold public hearings, and provide approval, denial, or modifications before the commissioner can submit them federally. Additionally, the bill requires the department to publish advance notices in the Connecticut Law Journal and online, allowing 30 days for public written comments on proposed changes. If committees fail to respond within the 30-day review period, the waiver or amendment is automatically approved. The bill also requires the commissioner to notify committees annually about potential Medicaid waivers that could save state money.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public online portal where vehicle owners can track the location and status of their towed or impounded cars without needing to create an account. It requires towing companies and storage facilities to electronically submit detailed information about each towed vehicle, including vehicle details, tow location, fees, and redemption hours, within two hours of the vehicle arriving at storage. The legislation also establishes a standardized schedule of rates for police-ordered towing services, covering different vehicle types and specialized equipment like winching, with a future surcharge for electric vehicles starting in 2029. These changes aim to increase transparency in vehicle impoundment and standardize costs for law enforcement-ordered towing services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Long-Term Care Planning Committee to develop a comprehensive plan for long-term care services in Connecticut, affecting individuals who need care and the agencies that provide it. The committee will create a plan that integrates home and community-based services, supportive housing, and nursing facilities, ensuring people can choose the least restrictive care setting appropriate for their needs. The committee will study financing options, workforce issues, federal funding gaps, and data on Medicaid spending between nursing homes and community-based services. It will also include representatives from various state agencies, employee organizations, and retiree groups, and must submit annual reports with findings and recommendations to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Basic Health Program in Connecticut to provide health coverage to state residents aged under 65 who earn between 133% and 200% of the federal poverty level but do not currently qualify for state medical assistance programs. The program would be funded primarily through federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, with the state seeking federal approval to administer it starting October 1, 2026. A working group comprising state officials, legislative leaders, and health insurance experts would design the program, while the Commissioner of Social Services would coordinate its administration and submit regular reports to the legislature. Any excess federal funds received would be used to reduce premiums, lower cost-sharing, or provide additional benefits to eligible participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a bipartisan task force to study prescription drug shortages and develop strategies to prevent them. The task force will include representatives from healthcare providers, insurance companies, tribal leaders, and state agencies, who will meet annually to identify at-risk medications and recommend solutions. It also expands an existing state program to help local companies increase production capacity for essential drugs. Additionally, the bill maintains existing rebate requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturers selling drugs covered by state medical assistance programs.