Sen. Christine Cohen

Maddy summarySB 7 primarily sets a standard for fluoride levels in public water systems. It requires water companies serving 20,000+ people to maintain fluoride at 0.7 milligrams per liter, with a tolerance of ±0.15 milligrams per liter, aligning with federal recommendations for dental health. The bill also creates a nonbinding advisory committee for the Commissioner of Public Health to review CDC and FDA guidance using scientific evidence. While titled to address health care access, the bill’s main provisions focus on water fluoridation standards and public health advisory processes, not direct health care service restrictions. This affects municipal water providers but does not change patient access to reproductive or gender-affirming care services.

Maddy summarySB 11 establishes a price cap for certain prescription drugs in Connecticut, directly affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesale distributors. It sets a "reference price" for "identified prescription drugs" (brand-name drugs with expired patents over 24 months or generic drugs) based on historical costs, adjusted annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index. Manufacturers and distributors cannot sell these drugs above the reference price after January 1, 2026, unless a federal shortage exists. Violations trigger a civil penalty calculated as 80% of excess revenue, but only if annual sales exceed $250,000 in the state. The law aims to make prescription drugs more affordable by limiting price increases beyond inflation for covered medications.

Maddy summarySB 5 establishes the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program to provide need-based and merit-based financial aid for Connecticut residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree at public or independent colleges in the state. The program allocates funds across three grant types: a need/merit grant (20-30% of funds or $10 million, whichever is greater), a need-based grant (up to 80% of funds), and a minimum $100,000 Charter Oak grant. Eligibility is determined using the student aid index (replacing family contribution calculations) and academic achievement, with awards distributed via a sliding scale based on financial need and available funding. Recipients of the need/merit grant cannot also receive a need-based grant, ensuring distinct funding pathways for students with varying financial and academic profiles.

Maddy summarySB 2 regulates artificial intelligence systems used in major life decisions like hiring, loans, housing, and healthcare access. It defines "high-risk AI" as systems making "consequential decisions" (such as employment, credit, or housing) and requires developers and deployers to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The law specifically excludes video games, internal business tools, research activities, and non-discriminatory pattern analysis from regulation. It applies to companies operating within the state using such AI systems for covered decisions.

Maddy summarySB 6 requires Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood to lead administration of federal child care food programs, encouraging child care centers, group homes, and family homes to participate through annual outreach and data sharing. It also creates a new child nutrition outreach program under the Department of Education to boost participation in school breakfast, summer food, and child care food programs, including innovative methods like classroom breakfasts. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on "disconnected youth" (youth not in school or work) using shared data from early childhood, health, and education agencies. These provisions directly affect child care providers, schools, and youth service agencies by expanding access to nutrition support and improving data-driven policy decisions.

Maddy summarySB 884 sets strict limits on 1,4-dioxane, a chemical found in some products, by requiring manufacturers and sellers to keep concentrations below specific thresholds. Starting April 1, 2026, household cleaning products must not exceed 2 parts per million (ppm), dropping to 1 ppm by 2027. Cosmetics must stay under 10 ppm from 2026, while personal care products (like shampoos and soaps) must not exceed 2 ppm by 2026, then 1 ppm by 2027. Violations carry daily fines up to $2,500, enforced by the Environmental Protection Commissioner.

Maddy summarySB 714 requires the Department of Transportation to restore Shore Line East rail service to its pre-pandemic level by July 1, 2025. This directly affects commuters who rely on this rail line, reversing service cuts implemented during the 2020 COVID-19 and civil emergency. The bill mandates the department to return to the same service frequency and coverage that existed before March 2020, without specifying new operational details.

Maddy summaryHB 6273 creates the Farmers' Crop Loss Reimbursement Grant Program within Connecticut's Department of Agriculture. It provides financial reimbursement to farmers who suffer crop losses due to significant acute weather events (like severe storms or floods). The program is funded through $10 million in state bonds, with the Department of Agriculture establishing eligibility rules, application processes, and reimbursement limits. Farmers must apply within 60 days of submitting requests, and the program takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6229 bans polystyrene foodware (like foam containers) and most single-use plastic items (including straws, stirrers, and food accessories) for food vendors, government agencies, schools, and businesses starting July 1, 2027. Exceptions include biodegradable straws provided upon request (especially for people with disabilities) and specific packaging uses like pre-sealed food or meat storage. The bill also requires state/municipal buildings and schools to install reusable water bottle filling stations when replacing drinking fountains, effective January 2027. A task force will study sustainable alternatives and report by February 2026, but the law itself focuses on direct restrictions and infrastructure changes.

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.