Rep. Kai Belton

Maddy summaryHB 5646 directs the Commissioner of Transportation to commission a study of public transportation options in Middletown, specifically examining the feasibility of rehabilitating a rail line from Old Saybrook to Hartford for commuter use and expanding busway service to the city. This bill does not fund or implement changes but authorizes an analysis of these two transportation alternatives. The study will inform future decisions about Middletown's public transit infrastructure. (Bill: HB 5646, 2025 Session)

Maddy summaryHB 6752 adjusts key budget calculation rules to refine how the state manages spending limits. It changes the inflation measure used for budget adjustments to include all items (not just seasonal averages), excludes certain retirement system payments from budget calculations, and requires the Treasurer to include economic impact analyses for bond projects. These changes directly affect the state's budgeting process, altering how spending caps and revenue transfers are calculated. The bill aims to make budget adjustments more stable and transparent by updating specific financial formulas and adding analysis requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 6590 establishes a state task force to study maternal mental health, focusing specifically on expanding access to mental health services and improving education about maternal mental health issues. The task force will examine strategies to better support mothers and birthing people within the state. This bill does not create new programs or funding but directs the task force to analyze current challenges and potential solutions. It directly affects mothers and birthing people by targeting gaps in mental health resources and awareness. The task force will report findings to the legislature, with no immediate policy changes enacted by this bill.

Maddy summaryHB 6592 requires Connecticut's Public Health Commissioner to create a public awareness campaign promoting father involvement during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, and to develop guidance for healthcare providers (hospitals, midwives, pediatricians) on engaging fathers. It also directs the Social Services Commissioner to establish a grant program supporting local initiatives that educate fathers about their role in maternal/child health, provide father-to-father mentorship, and encourage inclusive family healthcare practices. The bill directly affects fathers, healthcare providers, and community organizations receiving grants. It focuses on changing engagement practices rather than medical protocols, aiming to improve health outcomes through increased father participation. The bill does not alter medical standards but sets requirements for public education and provider guidance.

Maddy summaryHB 6572 requires all healthcare facilities and obstetrics/gynecology providers to adopt doula-friendly policies. This directly affects hospitals, clinics, and medical practitioners who provide maternity care, mandating that they create clear protocols allowing doulas to support patients during labor and birth. The bill does not specify exact policy details but requires facilities to establish written procedures for doula access, communication, and integration into patient care plans. It aims to improve patient choice and support during childbirth without altering medical standards or requiring new staffing.

Maddy summaryHB 6584 requires all international board certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) to obtain a state license to practice in this state. This directly affects lactation consultants who currently provide breastfeeding support services, mandating they meet state-specific licensing standards instead of relying solely on their international certification. The bill's key mechanism is adding a requirement for state licensure as a condition for practicing as a lactation consultant. It does not change existing certification standards but creates a new state licensing requirement for these professionals.

Maddy summaryHB 6593 requires Connecticut's Department of Public Health to create and share clear guidelines for healthcare providers about menopause care. It also mandates that all healthcare providers complete at least one training module on menopause management. Additionally, the department must run a public awareness campaign to educate residents about menopause. This bill directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors and nurses) and the general public through these new educational requirements and outreach efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 6589 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Public Health to create a standardized report card system for hospitals and birthing centers to evaluate their maternity care quality. This bill directly affects healthcare facilities that provide maternity services by mandating they be assessed on specific care metrics. The key mechanism involves the state developing a transparent, publicly available report card to measure performance in maternity care delivery. The stated purpose is to improve care quality and reduce maternal mortality rates through greater accountability and transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Connecticut's Medicaid program to cover services provided by Licensed International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), subject to federal law. It directly affects Medicaid recipients who need lactation support, such as new mothers or infants with feeding challenges. The key provision amends state law to mandate that the Commissioner of Social Services include IBCLC services in Medicaid coverage, aligning with existing federal Medicaid requirements. This change would make it easier for eligible individuals to access specialized lactation care without out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryHB 6145 requires health insurance companies to annually certify compliance with state and federal laws ensuring mental health and substance use disorder benefits are covered equally to physical health care. It repeals rules that previously kept insurer names confidential in compliance filings, increasing transparency. The bill creates a new state fund (the "parity advancement account") to support enforcement and public education about parity rights, and authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to impose civil penalties on companies violating these laws. This directly affects insurance providers and their customers seeking mental health or substance use treatment.