Sen. Pat Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee to create a new gender responsiveness subcommittee tasked with analyzing gaps in services for girls and youth who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming. The subcommittee must work with other councils to complete a state-wide assessment of gender-responsive practices by January 1, 2025, and develop a framework for collecting police data on human trafficking. Additionally, the legislation requires state officials to create a reentry success plan for youth leaving the correctional system, which must include restorative justice principles, academic support, and connections to housing and employment. These measures aim to improve care continuity and provide specialized, trauma-informed services for vulnerable youth within the juvenile justice system.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 updates Connecticut's financial regulations by repealing and replacing the definitions within the state's money transmission laws to include virtual currency and related digital assets. The bill directly affects money transmission businesses, their owners, and employees by formally defining terms such as "virtual currency," "money transmission," and "authorized delegate" to ensure these modern financial activities are covered under existing rules. A key provision clarifies who counts as a "control person" or "key individual" by specifying ownership thresholds and family relationships, while also distinguishing between active managers and passive investors. These changes aim to provide clear legal guidelines for how licensed entities must operate and report transactions involving digital currencies and electronic payment instruments.

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 requires providers of behavioral health services for children to use a standardized intake form when starting treatment for a patient or their parent. The law mandates that the Connecticut Department of Public Health create this form by July 1, 2025, after a working group of health officials, providers, and parents recommends its content. The form will ask about the child's medical history, current diagnoses, and family background to help providers better understand the patient's needs. Once the form is finalized, all relevant providers must use it, though they are allowed to add extra questions if necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Connecticut school districts to implement a statewide program focused on preventing and responding to child sexual abuse and assault. The program includes mandatory training for school staff, age-appropriate educational materials for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and a uniform policy for reporting and supporting victims. While the curriculum must be delivered to all students, parents have the option to opt their children out of the program entirely or from specific parts of it. If a student is exempted, the school must provide alternative academic activities during that time. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a new survey to measure awareness and prevention efforts within schools.

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 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 updates the language in the State Personnel Act regarding military leave for state employees who serve in the armed forces. It removes outdated terms like "field training" and clarifies that eligible personnel are entitled to up to fifteen days of paid leave per year for required military training. The changes also allow these employees to attend training during their regular vacation time if they choose. These revisions take effect on July 1, 2024, and aim to make the rules easier to understand and apply for state workers serving in the military.

Maddy summaryHB 5198 updates Connecticut's telehealth laws to extend the current regulatory framework until June 30, 2027. The bill requires telehealth providers to verify patient insurance coverage, maintain access to medical history, and obtain informed consent before delivering remote care. It also restricts the prescribing of certain controlled substances via telehealth and mandates that providers share telehealth records with a patient's primary care doctor if the patient agrees. These rules apply to all healthcare professionals offering remote services to patients within the state during the specified period.