Sen. Eric Berthel

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts seniors (65+), veterans, and active-duty military members from the "Passport to the Parks" motor vehicle registration fee. It amends existing law (section 14-49b) to remove these groups from the fee requirement for vehicle registration. The change directly affects eligible individuals by eliminating a $10 annual fee on vehicle registration, applying to all vehicles registered under their names. The policy change is administrative, requiring no new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 5178 increases penalties for possessing child sexual abuse material (replacing the term "child pornography") based on the depicted victim's age: under 5, 5-12, or 12-16 years old. The bill amends Chapter 952 of the general statutes to establish tiered penalties reflecting the age of the child shown in the material. It directly affects individuals convicted of possessing such material, with harsher penalties applying when the depicted victim is younger. The change aims to strengthen legal consequences for this offense while updating terminology to "child sexual abuse material."

Maddy summaryHB 5177 changes the legal standard for when peace officers, Department of Correction staff, and Board of Pardons and Paroles officials may use deadly force. It replaces the requirement that force be "objectively reasonable" with a standard based on whether "a reasonable officer or official would use such force given the facts and circumstances known at the time." This shifts evaluation from an external, objective standard to a subjective one focused on the officer's own perception during the incident. The bill directly affects law enforcement and correctional personnel who use deadly force in the line of duty. The stated purpose is to ensure officers are properly evaluated under this revised standard.

Maddy summaryHB 5201 would change Connecticut's definition of a "large capacity magazine" from holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition to holding more than 15 rounds. This directly affects firearm owners and retailers who possess or sell magazines meeting the new definition. The key provision amends Section 53-202w of state law to raise the threshold for what qualifies as a "large capacity magazine." The bill does not create new restrictions but adjusts the existing legal standard for magazine capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow licensed security guards while performing their duties and individuals with a federal law enforcement ID under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act to purchase, possess, and bring large capacity magazines into the state. It amends current law to create an exception for these two groups, who are otherwise restricted from having such magazines. The bill does not affect the general ban on large capacity magazines for other residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores police officers' ability to request consent to search a motor vehicle when they have reasonable suspicion that weapons, contraband, or evidence of a crime may be inside. It amends Section 54-33o of the general statutes to allow this request, reversing a prior restriction. The policy change applies during traffic stops where officers have specific, justifiable reasons for suspicion. Drivers retain the right to refuse such searches, but officers can now proactively seek consent under these conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 5018 (2025) amends state law to limit the "Passport to the Parks Fee" to one registered motor vehicle per household. This means households would only pay this fee once for access to state parks, regardless of how many vehicles they own. The bill changes section 14-49b of the general statutes to restrict the fee assessment to a single vehicle per household. It directly affects residents who pay this annual fee for park access, simplifying the billing structure. The change does not eliminate the fee but limits its application to one vehicle per household.

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 updates the rules for Connecticut's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to improve how fuel vendors are paid and to ensure fair pricing for heating services. It requires the state to create a plan that includes criteria for emergency aid, outlines how to handle fuel deliveries, and establishes a timeline for reimbursing vendors within ten business days after they submit invoices. Additionally, the legislation mandates that starting in 2025, the state must set new pricing standards to fairly compensate vendors for their costs while keeping the maximum funding available for recipients. The bill also directs the state to purchase fuel directly for low-income households and prohibits vendors from discriminating against recipients based on their payment or delivery plans.