Maddy summaryThis bill updates the state's job creation tax rebate program by replacing its existing definitions with a new set of terms to clarify eligibility and requirements. It directly affects businesses applying for economic development rebates by establishing specific rules for what counts as a new employee, a full-time job, and a qualified wage. Key provisions redefine a qualified business to include sectors like finance, technology, and clean energy, while setting wage thresholds based on local median income or a scaled minimum wage. The legislation also introduces stricter criteria for counting new jobs, ensuring they are not temporary, seasonal, or replacements for existing positions, and adds provisions for employees with intellectual disabilities.
Sponsored bills
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires private career schools to include student surveys when applying to renew their operating licenses. Starting in January 2025, an evaluation team must ask students to rate the quality of the courses they took and how well the school prepared them for the job or license they advertised. The survey results will become a mandatory part of the state's review process for these schools, aiming to gather direct feedback from students on their educational experience.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the president of the University of Connecticut to secure spots at accredited out-of-state veterinary schools for up to five state residents each year. To support this initiative, the legislation appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the university for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The changes take effect on July 1, 2024, and are designed to expand educational opportunities for Connecticut residents in veterinary medicine.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Planning Commission for Higher Education in Connecticut to develop and oversee a strategic master plan for the state's colleges and universities. The commission will be composed of voting members representing public and private institutions, faculty, and various local industries, along with nonvoting ex-officio members from state agencies. Its primary task is to update the existing 2015 strategic plan by analyzing current demographic and workforce trends to guide future higher education policy. The commission will operate without compensation, use available state funds to hire consultants if needed, and rely on legislative committee staff for administrative support. Initial appointments are scheduled to begin by June 1, 2024, with the first meeting expected by July 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for a pretrial family violence education program to include individuals charged with certain crimes involving risks to children, provided the court finds good cause to allow their participation. Under the new provisions, defendants must agree to have their trial timeline paused and waive their right to a speedy trial while attending the program and complying with court-ordered conditions for up to two years. If a participant successfully completes the education program and meets all requirements, the court may dismiss the charges and erase the associated criminal records. The legislation also requires courts to notify victims when a defendant requests placement in the program and gives them a chance to be heard before the decision is made.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the State Code of Ethics for public officials by defining a "dependent child" as a son, daughter, stepson, or stepdaughter who qualifies as a dependent under federal tax laws. It also clarifies the authority of the Office of State Ethics to investigate nonresidents, limiting such jurisdiction to cases where the nonresident or their agent makes an illegal payment to a public official or seeks prequalification as a lobbyist. These changes aim to standardize how family relationships are counted for ethical reporting and to specify when out-of-state individuals can be held accountable under state ethics rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time limit for prosecuting election-related crimes by allowing authorities to pursue cases for six months after the State Elections Enforcement Commission refers evidence to prosecutors, whichever deadline is later. It applies to offenses involving violations of election laws and takes effect on October 1, 2024, covering both future crimes and certain past cases where the original prosecution window had not yet closed. The change ensures that referrals made after April 1, 2024, do not expire prematurely, giving law enforcement a defined period to act on new information.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Path Program to help middle and high school students from low-income families and first-generation college students prepare for higher education. It allows nonprofit organizations to compete for state grants alongside colleges to provide skills development and motivation to these students. The program uses a competitive application process with a March deadline, and funds are awarded for one-year periods starting in August. Additionally, the bill appropriates $4.8 million to the Office of Higher Education to support this initiative for the 2025 fiscal year.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Department of Public Health's requirements for reporting and monitoring opioid overdoses to help prevent future incidents. It mandates that hospitals and emergency medical services report all opioid overdose cases to the state and requires mental health screenings for nonfatal overdoses starting in 2020. Additionally, the law introduces a requirement for toxicology screenings for patients with nonfatal overdoses beginning in 2025, covering substances like opioids, benzodiazepines, and xylazine. All data collected under these new rules must be shared with local health departments to support community prevention efforts while remaining confidential.