Sen. Heather Somers

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes law enforcement officers from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York to arrest individuals for boating or fishing violations that occur on the waters bordering these states. It allows officers from any of the three states to make arrests in the bordering waters and transfer the arrested person to the state where the violation took place for prosecution. The law specifically applies to interior bodies of fresh water located between Rhode Island and its neighboring states.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Department of Public Health's requirements for reporting and monitoring opioid overdoses to help prevent future incidents. It mandates that hospitals and emergency medical services report all opioid overdose cases to the state and requires mental health screenings for nonfatal overdoses starting in 2020. Additionally, the law introduces a requirement for toxicology screenings for patients with nonfatal overdoses beginning in 2025, covering substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and xylazine. All data collected under these new rules must be shared with local health departments to support community prevention efforts while remaining confidential.

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 expands the legal definition of an "employee" to include students enrolled in vocational agricultural programs at regional science and technology centers. Specifically, it grants these students access to workers' compensation coverage if they participate in approved public work-study programs or official internships. The change takes effect on October 1, 2024, and applies only to students who are actively working under these specific educational arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary task force to investigate the shortage of athletic trainers within the state. The group will be composed of representatives from both chambers of the legislature and the Commissioner of Public Health, who will work together to examine ways to recruit more professionals into the field. Appointed members must be selected within thirty days, and the task force is required to hold its first meeting within sixty days. By January 1, 2025, the group must submit a final report containing their findings and recommendations to the relevant public health committee before the task force officially ends.

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 expands the surgical scope of practice for licensed podiatrists in Connecticut to allow them to perform specific ankle surgeries independently. Effective October 1, 2024, qualified podiatrists who meet specific residency and board certification requirements will be permitted to conduct procedures such as total ankle replacements and treat tibial pilon fractures. The law also clarifies that podiatrists can now surgically address complications related to external fixation pins within the tibial diaphysis. To qualify for these expanded privileges, practitioners must have graduated from an accredited residency program and hold current board certification in reconstructive rearfoot ankle surgery.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund, a separate financial entity designed to collect and manage money specifically for early childhood education and child care needs. The fund is established as an independent source of money that cannot be mixed with state funds, meaning the state has no claim to the money inside it and is not responsible for any debts the fund might incur. The Treasurer is authorized to invest these funds in various financial instruments to grow the account, while a new Advisory Commission will oversee the fund's financial health and create a ten-year spending plan. This commission includes a diverse group of appointed members representing parents, businesses, philanthropies, and various types of child care providers to guide how the money is used.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary task force to study how well current laws are enforced regarding roaming livestock, specifically focusing on interactions between pigs and cattle. The group will include representatives from both legislative chambers, law enforcement, the agriculture department, and experts in livestock management. Members must submit a report with their findings and recommendations by January 1, 2025, after which the task force will end. The legislation does not change existing laws but instead sets up a review process to improve enforcement of current regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5190 updates Connecticut's historic home rehabilitation tax credit program to provide a 30% tax credit for owners who renovate eligible historic buildings. To qualify, the home must be listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, and the owner must spend at least $15,000 on approved construction costs while pledging to live there as their primary residence for five years. The Department of Economic and Community Development will administer the program by reviewing renovation plans before work begins and issuing vouchers based on verified expenses after completion. This bill replaces the previous version of the law and will take effect on January 1, 2025.