Sen. Rob Sampson

Maddy summaryHB 5602 allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against certain elected state officials (including the Governor, legislators, and top executive officers like the Attorney General) when those officials violate equal protection rights under Connecticut law. The bill removes standard governmental immunity for such claims, meaning officials can be sued personally unless they had an objectively reasonable, good-faith belief their actions were legal at the time. It specifically targets denials of equal protection or equal privileges under the state constitution, not federal rights. This policy change directly affects how state officials can be held accountable for actions that discriminate against people or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 5639 eliminates all fees required to obtain permits for exercising constitutional rights, such as firearm permits. It directly affects individuals seeking permits for activities protected under the Constitution, including carrying or possessing firearms. The bill removes these fees by amending general statutes to prohibit charging for such permits. This is a concrete policy change that reduces costs for permit applicants without altering the underlying requirements for obtaining these permits.

Maddy summaryHB 5557 designates the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar's month of Kartik each year as "Diwali, the Festival of Lights" for official recognition. This procedural bill amends state statutes to formally acknowledge Diwali as an annual observance without creating new policies, funding, or obligations. It directly affects state records and official calendars by specifying the date for ceremonial recognition. The bill has no substantive impact on residents, businesses, or government operations beyond this symbolic designation.

Maddy summaryHB 5370 prohibits healthcare providers from prescribing puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones to minors for gender dysphoria treatment (outside FDA-approved uses) and bans gender reassignment surgeries for minors. The bill also requires healthcare providers to offer psychotherapy as an alternative for minors experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence. It directly affects minors under 18 who seek gender-affirming care and their healthcare providers. The law aims to restrict specific medical treatments while mandating psychotherapy support for these minors.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut election laws to enhance security and transparency for absentee voting. It requires municipalities to install video recording devices on secure drop boxes to capture footage of ballot deposits, with these recordings made public within five days of the election. The legislation also mandates that clerks record exactly how each absentee ballot was returned - whether by mail, drop box, or in person - and retain unopened envelopes to prevent tampering. Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures for voters requesting additional absentee ballots and ensures that any rejected ballots are properly logged and stored.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the intentional addition of PFAS chemicals to a wide range of consumer products, including mattresses, clothing, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies, effective October 1, 2024. It defines specific categories such as children's products, outdoor apparel, and cookware to clarify which items are subject to the new limits while excluding certain uses deemed essential for health and safety. Manufacturers must ensure that PFAS are not deliberately included in these goods unless they are unavoidable for the product's function and no safer alternative exists. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "intentionally added" and "currently unavoidable use" to guide regulatory enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Sexual Assault Criminal Justice Response, Enhancement and Model Policy Advisory Council to evaluate and improve how Connecticut handles sexual assault cases. The council will examine current practices by law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and correctional facilities, including data accuracy, risk assessments, and training for officials. It establishes a diverse group of members appointed by government leaders, including representatives from police, victim advocates, and community organizations, to guide these efforts. The council is tasked with developing a new model policy by July 2025 and updating it annually, which will then be distributed to all law enforcement units in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program to help people gradually lose government benefits as their earnings increase, rather than losing all support at once. It directly affects recipients of state assistance programs such as temporary family aid, food stamps, child care subsidies, and rental assistance. Under the plan, selected participants would see their benefits reduced slowly over time once their income exceeds eligibility limits, aiming to encourage work without causing a sudden financial drop. The program must follow federal rules and conclude by September 1, 2025, with a final report detailing how many people participated and whether the approach helped them become more financially independent.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut laws regarding unclaimed property to include virtual currency and modernizes definitions for various financial entities. It establishes a three-year inactivity rule, presuming virtual currency held by banks, businesses, or financial organizations is abandoned if the owner has not accessed their secure system within that period. The legislation also expands the scope of covered property to explicitly include digital assets and clarifies terms like "gift certificate" to cover electronic cards while excluding certain prepaid services. These changes aim to streamline how the state identifies and processes abandoned funds held by a wide range of institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program, a three-year pilot initiative led by the University of Connecticut to support international students and graduates in starting new businesses. Under the program, eligible non-U.S. citizens pursuing advanced degrees in fields like science, engineering, or business would work part-time for designated employers, such as public universities or nonprofit organizations, while receiving a market-rate salary. In exchange for their employment, these individuals would be eligible to apply for a specific nonimmigrant visa allowing them to remain in Connecticut to launch their ventures after graduation. The bill also requires the university to submit annual reports to the state legislature detailing the program's progress, participant numbers, and a cost-benefit analysis by the end of 2024.