Sen. Matt Lesser

Maddy summarySB 4 establishes a data broker registration system in Connecticut, requiring businesses that sell or license personal data to register with the Department of Consumer Protection by October 1, 2026. It directly affects data brokers (businesses collecting and selling personal data) and Connecticut consumers, who gain new rights to request data deletion. Key provisions include mandatory $600 annual registration fees, a requirement for data brokers to provide an "accessible deletion mechanism" for consumer requests, and definitions clarifying terms like "brokered personal data." The law aims to increase transparency and control over personal data handling while imposing specific compliance obligations on data brokers.

Maddy summarySB 5 (AN ACT CONCERNING ONLINE SAFETY) requires subscription-based AI providers (e.g., companies offering AI tools via paid plans) to give consumers clear, written disclosures about subscription terms before signing or renewing. This includes detailing any usage limits, such as restrictions based on user behavior or changes to prior terms. The bill also establishes new safety rules for "frontier developers" of advanced AI systems ("foundation models"), defining "catastrophic risk" as scenarios where AI could cause mass harm (e.g., aiding weapon creation or severe physical injury) and mandating risk assessments by covered employees. It does not ban specific AI uses but sets transparency and safety protocols for high-risk systems. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies, and appliances, and eliminates a 1% tax on meals sold by grocery stores. It creates new tax credits for homeowners (increasing the existing credit), caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, and renters earning $75,000 or less for primary residence costs. These changes directly lower tax burdens for Connecticut residents, particularly lower- and middle-income households. The bill modifies sales tax rules and expands income tax credits to improve affordability.

Maddy summaryHB 5127 prohibits healthcare and veterinary providers in Connecticut from promoting or facilitating medical credit cards to patients. Specifically, it bans providers from advertising these cards using their name/logo, receiving financial incentives for doing so, helping patients apply for them, or charging medical credit cards for services before they’re provided or for add-on products without written consent. The law also prevents providers from charging medical credit cards for services that are covered by insurance (like HUSKY Health) unless the patient has declined coverage. These provisions take effect on January 1, 2027, directly affecting providers who previously offered or promoted such credit options.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-level civil rights enforcement mechanism allowing Connecticut residents to sue individuals or entities, including government officials, for depriving them of constitutional rights. It creates a new cause of action similar to federal civil rights laws, permitting courts to award damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief when violations are proven. The bill also empowers the Attorney General to investigate and intervene in cases involving civil rights violations, seek civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation, and accept assurances that unlawful practices will stop. Additionally, it clarifies that these actions do not waive sovereign immunity and maintains existing rights to file complaints with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 requires providers offering sales-based commercial financing (repayments tied to a business's sales/revenue) to disclose four specific details to recipients: the total financing amount, disbursement amount (excluding finance charges), finance charge, and an estimated annual percentage rate (APR) based on projected sales. This applies to financing under $250,000 not intended for personal use, directly affecting small businesses and the providers (like brokers or non-bank lenders) offering this financing. The APR must be calculated using either historical sales data or an opt-in method, with providers notifying the Banking Commissioner of their chosen method. Banks, credit unions, and certain large lenders are exempt from these requirements. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 293 extends the time frame for minors to sue providers for fraud in fertility care. It allows victims to file claims up to three years after reaching age 18 (the age of majority) or three years after discovering the fraud, whichever occurs later. This directly affects minors who suffered harm due to fraudulent fertility treatments or care. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and modifies existing statute of limitations rules for these specific cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all presidential elector candidates to sign a pledge committing to vote for the party's or write-in candidate's nominees for President and Vice President if they are elected. It mandates that the Secretary of State reject any electoral college ballots that do not align with the signed pledge and allows for the replacement of electors who refuse to comply or vote inconsistently with their pledge. The legislation also specifies procedures for filling vacancies in the electoral college and outlines how electors must cast their votes and submit official certificates.

Maddy summarySB 6 establishes a $600 annual tax credit per dependent child for eligible taxpayers with up to three children, phased out for higher-income households (e.g., $100k+ for single filers). It mandates all public school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student in the 2027 fiscal year, funded by state grants. The bill also prohibits certain convicted individuals (e.g., for specific sex offenses) from sharing a home with a minor child unless they are the biological or adoptive parent, with exceptions for finalized adoptions. Additionally, it requires correctional facilities to notify child welfare agencies when such individuals are released, triggering case reviews for children under protective services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Connecticut Commissioner of Social Services to upgrade electronic benefit transfer cards with security chip technology to help prevent fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other state benefit programs by July 1, 2026. The legislation also expands the definition of "public servant" to include unpaid advisors and consultants performing governmental functions, ensuring they are covered under state fraud and corruption laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies legal definitions for terms like "knowingly," "claim," and "material" in fraud-related statutes to improve consistency in how these offenses are prosecuted. A report on the implementation and effectiveness of the new security measures must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027.