Sen. Eric Berthel

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to review reporting requirements for nonprofit human services providers and eliminate those that are overly burdensome or duplicative. The review process, which begins in January 2028, will assess the number of reports, overlapping information, preparation time, and how agencies use the data, with the goal of reducing unnecessary paperwork for organizations providing health and human services. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies pay private providers within 45 days after receiving a completed claim or service, whichever occurs later, to improve cash flow for service providers. These changes apply to nonprofits delivering services for physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and behavioral health.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of approximately one acre of state-owned land to the Town of Woodbury for use as a commemorative memorial green. The parcel, currently part of a state highway right-of-way containing veterans monuments and Veterans Lane, will be conveyed at no cost to the town beyond administrative fees, subject to approval by the State Properties Review Board. The legislation includes conditions requiring the town to maintain the land for its intended memorial purpose, with provisions for the land to revert to state ownership if the town fails to use it appropriately, retains only part of the parcel, or leases it. The Department of Transportation retains responsibility for the land until the transfer is completed, with the State Treasurer handling the legal deed execution.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements and oversight for justices of the peace in Connecticut, affecting those appointed to the position and the Secretary of the State. It mandates that newly appointed justices complete a training manual within 30 days and prohibits them from performing fraudulent marriages or using their title for commercial endorsements. The Secretary of the State gains authority to investigate misconduct and can issue warnings, reprimands, or revoke appointments for negligence, fraud, or unlawful actions. Additionally, the bill creates a process for filling vacancies in municipalities that increase the number of justices, allowing political parties to nominate candidates for these positions.

Maddy summarySB 220 requires school districts to create individual reading plans for students in grades 4-9 who scored at Level 1 or 2 on English Language Arts exams or missed growth targets. Each plan must identify specific reading gaps, outline evidence-based interventions (like small-group tutoring with a 4:1 student-to-tutor ratio), and include parent communication. The bill also establishes a state grant program to fund high-dosage tutoring for these students, prioritizing districts in alliance towns or with detailed implementation plans. It updates required reading assessments for kindergarten through grade 3 to include frequent screening and progress monitoring.

Maddy summarySB 247 limits state agency payments to employees resigning or retiring, capping amounts over $50,000 unless tied to specific exceptions like disciplinary leave or collective bargaining. It prohibits agreements that restrict employees from reporting misconduct or sharing information under existing whistleblower laws. For state colleges and universities, the bill requires foundations to include elected student and faculty members as nonvoting board members, with student/faculty elections managed by institutional boards. The law directly affects state agencies, public colleges, and employees covered by these payment and foundation rules, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new consumer protections for long-term care insurance policies in Connecticut, affecting insurance companies, policyholders, and state agencies. It requires the Office of Policy and Management to create an outreach program educating consumers about long-term care options, financing, and asset protection rules. The bill mandates that insurance policies must offer home and community-based services, include inflation protection, and cannot tie executive compensation to rate increases. Additionally, insurers must maintain a minimum 60% loss ratio, and any premium increases of 20% or more must be spread over at least three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new Medicaid payment rates and service limits for adult dental care and cognitive assessments in Connecticut. Starting July 1, 2026, it requires prior authorization for nonemergency dental services while exempting basic preventive care and medically necessary procedures from a $1,000 annual spending cap. The legislation also directs the state to update Medicaid reimbursement rates to match Medicare standards for cognitive assessments and care planning for patients under 65 showing signs of cognitive impairment. Additionally, it creates a structured advisory council with representatives from various healthcare sectors to oversee Medicaid service modifications and ensure balanced oversight of dental benefit limitations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.

Maddy summarySB 116 requires hotels, motels, and similar lodging operators to share tax payment records with consumer protection officials monthly and maintain guest transaction records for six months. It mandates employee training on recognizing human trafficking signs and conducting annual awareness campaigns, with certification required in personnel files. The bill also prohibits offering hourly discounts (12 hours or less) for rooms to prevent trafficking tactics. Violations carry $5,000 civil penalties per offense, enforced by the Consumer Protection Department through audits and inspections. The law directly affects lodging businesses and aims to strengthen trafficking prevention through transparency and staff education.

Maddy summaryHB 5208 requires the Department of Banking to study financial transactions occurring within the state. The department must complete this study and submit a report to the General Assembly's Banking committee by January 15, 2027. This bill does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups; it only mandates a study to inform future legislative decisions. The report will be prepared in accordance with existing statutory procedures for such studies. This is a procedural measure focused solely on gathering information, with no immediate policy changes or implementation.