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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 1426 expands Connecticut's Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to provide benefits for firefighters diagnosed with cancer affecting specific body systems (skin, brain, respiratory, etc.). Eligible firefighters must meet strict criteria: no prior cancer evidence at hire, no smoking for 15 years before diagnosis, at least five years of qualifying service (as interior structural firefighters or related roles), and annual health screenings. The bill ensures these firefighters receive workers' compensation-style benefits and retirement/survivor benefits from the relief account, covering uncovered treatment costs, while offsetting any existing benefits from workers' compensation or retirement systems. It becomes effective October 1, 2025, and administers claims like standard workers' compensation under Chapter 568.
Maddy summaryThis procedural bill updates Connecticut's pollution cleanup rules to support a new "released-based" cleanup program. It requires property owners to report and clean up pollution releases (like spills or leaks) after new regulations take effect, and clarifies when property ownership changes (such as sales, foreclosures, or family transfers) trigger cleanup responsibilities. It directly affects businesses and property owners who create pollution, ensuring they meet cleanup standards without unnecessary liability for routine transfers. The bill is technical in nature, focusing on aligning existing statutes with the new program framework.
Maddy summarySB 1476 updates Connecticut’s laws to align with the federal ABLE Act, creating a state-run program for individuals with disabilities. It directly affects people under age 26 who qualify for disability benefits under federal Social Security (Title II or XVI), allowing them to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. The bill establishes clear definitions for "ABLE accounts," "qualified disability expenses" (like education, medical care, and assistive technology), and the process for eligibility certification. The State Treasurer must create and manage this program, enabling beneficiaries to save for disability-related costs without risking loss of government benefits.
Maddy summarySB 1388 increases penalties for drivers who fail to move over for emergency vehicles and cause death. It reclassifies such violations as first-degree manslaughter (a class B felony) instead of a civil infraction, making it punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. This applies when a driver does not move over for an emergency vehicle (as required by Connecticut’s §14-283b) and that failure results in the death of the vehicle’s operator or occupant. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and directly affects drivers whose negligence causes fatal collisions with emergency vehicles.
Maddy summarySB 1260 creates the Connecticut Career Accelerator Program Account to fund workforce training in manufacturing careers, prioritizing women who apply to or participate in existing youth or CareerConneCT programs. The bill requires the Office of Workforce Strategy to design a program by January 2025 that includes tuition assistance with repayment terms if participants secure higher-paying jobs, while offering wrap-around supports like childcare. It mandates annual reports tracking women's participation in training programs and outreach to underserved groups, including dislocated workers and veterans. The program aims to expand accessible, affordable manufacturing training pathways for women through dedicated state funding and targeted recruitment.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant all Connecticut residents an enforceable right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, a healthy environment, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these rights equitably, avoid unreasonable infringement, and actively conserve natural resources like water, air, and wildlife for current and future generations. If passed by three-quarters of both legislative chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval to become part of Connecticut's constitution. The amendment would not create new regulations but would establish a legal foundation for residents to seek court enforcement of environmental protections.
Maddy summaryHB 6914 revises Connecticut's Harbor Management Act to clarify that state and municipal officials must consider written recommendations from harbor management commissions (e.g., in comment letters) when making regulatory decisions or approving development in a harbor's jurisdiction. This applies only to recommendations derived from an already-approved harbor management plan, which already binds officials to follow its content unless they demonstrate cause for deviation. The bill does not create new regulations but ensures existing plan recommendations are formally considered in future decisions. It has no fiscal impact on state or municipal budgets, as confirmed by the bill analysis.
Maddy summarySB 1319 establishes a state cybersecurity task force to study and develop recommendations on coordinating cybersecurity efforts across government and private sectors. The task force, composed of 23 members including state agency commissioners, legislative leaders, and municipal representatives with cybersecurity expertise, must address eight key areas like state agency coordination, critical infrastructure needs, municipal support, federal collaboration, and public awareness. It is required to submit a final report to the legislature by January 1, 2027, detailing findings and recommendations. This bill directly affects state agencies, municipalities, and private sector entities involved in cybersecurity, but has no fiscal impact as noted in the official analysis.
Maddy summarySB 13 establishes an Elder Abuse Task Force within the State Police and requires the Chief State's Attorney to create an Elder Justice Unit within the Division of Criminal Justice. The bill directly affects elderly residents in Connecticut who are victims of abuse by creating dedicated law enforcement units to investigate and prosecute such cases. Key provisions include authorizing the Task Force to investigate elder abuse statewide, coordinate with the Elder Justice Unit, request assistance from other agencies or states, and enter mutual cooperation agreements. The changes take effect October 1, 2025, and amend existing statutes (51-279 and 51-279b) to formalize these units and their responsibilities.