Sen. Pat Miller

Maddy summaryHB 7042 requires firearm manufacturers, distributors, and sellers (referred to as "firearm industry members") to implement "reasonable controls" to prevent sales to prohibited individuals, straw purchasers, or firearm traffickers. It prohibits knowingly directing marketing that promotes unlawful sales or risks to public safety and mandates compliance with state and federal firearm laws. Individuals harmed by violations, municipalities, or the state can sue for damages, injunctions, or penalties in superior court starting October 1, 2025. The bill does not change firearm permit requirements for ordinary gun owners but focuses on holding industry members accountable for unsafe practices.

Maddy summaryHB 7083 revises Connecticut credit union laws to update rules around nonmember fees, member business loans, charitable donations, credit extensions, and financial strength requirements. The bill directly affects credit unions by changing how they handle fees charged to non-members, set limits on loans to members' businesses, manage charitable contributions, and maintain capital and net worth standards. These changes modernize regulatory expectations for credit unions while maintaining their community-focused mission. The bill became law as Public Act 25-37 after being signed by the governor on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1336 requires mortgage lenders to provide borrowers with a 30-day written notice before initiating foreclosure proceedings on mortgages that remain unpaid. This applies directly to homeowners who have missed payments but may still resolve the issue before losing their home. The key provision mandates this notice period, including details on how to catch up on payments or seek alternatives, before lenders can begin foreclosure actions. The law aims to provide borrowers with a clear opportunity to address missed payments before facing home loss.

Maddy summarySB 3 requires businesses to clearly disclose all fees, charges, or costs upfront when advertising goods or services, preventing hidden costs that consumers must pay (e.g., shipping fees or mandatory gratuities must be stated before purchase). It also mandates that manufacturers of connected devices (like smart home appliances with cameras/microphones) provide specific, clear disclosures to the first user before setup, including details about recording capabilities and how to disable them. The bill directly affects Connecticut-based businesses selling goods/services and manufacturers of connected devices sold in the state, with exemptions for taxes, mandatory gratuities, and fees dependent on user choices (e.g., location-based shipping). Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under existing consumer protection law.

Maddy summaryHB 7162, now Public Act 25-55 after being signed by the governor on June 10, 2025, reformed state laws governing motor vehicle towing. The bill directly affects towing companies, vehicle owners, and law enforcement agencies by updating regulations around towing procedures, fees, and owner notification requirements. While the specific policy changes aren't detailed in the provided context, the legislation aims to modernize existing towing statutes. As a substantive law enacted into statute, it replaces prior provisions with new requirements for the towing industry. (Note: The provided context lacks specific details about the bill's provisions to describe key mechanisms.)

Maddy summarySB 9 requires municipalities and state agencies to develop climate action plans focused on reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. It also bans the sale and use of neonicotinoid pesticides (harmful to bees) and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (toxic to wildlife) for public and private use. These provisions directly affect local governments, state agencies, and businesses selling or applying these pesticides. The law, now enacted as Public Act 25-33, mandates concrete policy changes in environmental planning and pesticide regulation.

Maddy summarySB 1506 requires Connecticut state agencies to prepare racial and ethnic impact statements before implementing new regulations or policies. These statements must analyze how proposed rules might differently affect various racial and ethnic groups within the state. The law directly affects all state agencies responsible for creating or modifying regulations, such as those in health, education, or housing. The key mechanism mandates this analysis as a standard step in the rulemaking process, ensuring agencies consider potential disparate impacts before finalizing policies. This is a concrete policy change that shifts agency procedures to include equity assessments.

Maddy summarySB 1446 increases penalties for dog owners or keepers who allow dogs to roam uncontrolled on others' property or public highways. Under this bill, a first violation carries a fine up to $350, a second violation up to $500, and subsequent violations become a class C misdemeanor punishable by fines or up to three months in jail. The law establishes that unauthorized dog presence on private property or roads is considered prima facie evidence of a violation. This bill directly affects dog owners and keepers, effective October 1, 2025, and amends existing statute 22-364.

Maddy summarySB 1427 expands the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program to include certain school employees, such as teachers and support staff, who were previously excluded. The bill directly affects these school workers by making them eligible for paid leave benefits when caring for a new child, a seriously ill family member, or for their own serious health condition. Key provisions modify the existing program's eligibility criteria to specifically cover these school-based roles under the state insurance framework. This change would allow affected employees to access wage replacement benefits without losing their jobs, aligning school staff with broader covered worker protections.

Maddy summaryHB 5008 creates the Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission to formally promote economic collaboration between Connecticut businesses and Puerto Rico. The commission, composed of state officials and private sector representatives, will coordinate trade initiatives, identify market opportunities, and facilitate business connections between the two regions. It directly affects Connecticut businesses seeking to expand into Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican entities aiming to engage with Connecticut markets. The law establishes a structured mechanism for ongoing trade relationship development, moving beyond informal efforts to a dedicated state-led body.