Rep. Tony Scott

Maddy summarySB 1276 creates two property tax exemptions: one for veterans permanently and totally disabled with a 100% disability rating, and another for Gold Star spouses (spouses of service members who died in combat). It directly affects qualifying veterans and Gold Star spouses who own primary residences in Connecticut. The bill removes the property tax liability for these individuals' primary homes, meaning they would not pay property taxes on their main residence. The legislation passed the Senate and is now pending in the House for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 611 sets maximum fees for occupational licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations in Connecticut. It directly affects professionals including certified public accountants (reducing initial fees from $150 to $100), architects, engineers, and surveyors. Key provisions include lowering initial license fees (e.g., professional engineers from $220 to $100) and annual renewal fees (e.g., class B fees from $150 to $100), effective July 1, 2025. The bill standardizes these fee structures under the Department of Consumer Protection without altering licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 7175 creates a 20% tax credit for eligible farmers who purchase or build qualifying farm machinery, equipment, and buildings after January 1, 2026. To qualify, farmers must earn at least two-thirds of their total income from farming above $30,000, and the property must be used for farming in the state for at least five years. The credit applies to machinery and equipment bought after 2026, as well as qualifying buildings constructed or placed in service after that date, provided they are not leased or acquired from related parties. Farmers, or owners of pass-through entities like S corporations, can claim the credit against state income tax, with unused portions refunded by the state.

Maddy summaryHB 6979 requires physicians in Connecticut to annually register with the Department of Public Health during their birth month, with specific fees based on practice status. It creates a "retired" license designation for physicians who have retired from active practice, allowing renewal at a reduced fee (10% of class I fee or $95, whichever is greater) while restricting retired licenses to volunteer services without pay. The bill also mandates new regulations defining "retired from the profession" and establishing procedures for retired physicians to return to active practice or reinstate expired licenses. These provisions directly affect licensed physicians, particularly those transitioning to or from retirement, and take effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1115 amends Connecticut's bottle redemption law to prevent cross-state redemption of beverage containers. It requires redemption centers to obtain state approval, register annually, and provide detailed operational information (like container types accepted and floor plans). Centers must record personal details and vehicle license plates when handling over 1,200 containers from a single person in one day. The bill directly affects redemption centers, retailers (dealers), and distributors by standardizing redemption rules and tracking large-volume transactions to enforce state-specific redemption policies.

Maddy summaryHB 7055 creates two key tax provisions. First, it allows municipalities to establish property tax abatements for the primary residence of surviving domestic partners of police officers, firefighters, or EMTs who die while on duty (effective October 1, 2025). Second, it adds a personal income tax deduction for stipends paid to volunteer firefighters, volunteer fire police officers, and volunteer ambulance members (effective January 1, 2026). These changes directly affect surviving domestic partners of certain first responders and volunteer emergency personnel. The bill modifies existing statutes to provide specific tax relief without altering general tax rates or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 6338 allows property owners (or their authorized agents) to request immediate removal of unauthorized occupants by submitting a verified affidavit to a state marshal. It directly affects property owners seeking to evict non-tenants who are unlawfully occupying their property, and occupants who may be removed under this process. The law requires owners to prove the occupant is not a current/former tenant, not immediate family, has been asked to leave, and no related lawsuit is pending, using a specific affidavit form. Occupants wrongfully removed can sue for damages, including triple the fair market rent, and owners making false claims face penalties. The process aims to streamline removal while adding legal safeguards against misuse.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Connecticut's regulatory framework for sports wagering and internet gaming, directly affecting businesses seeking to operate these services within the state. It creates new licensing requirements for operators, defines key terms like "fantasy contests" and "key employees" (senior management roles), and outlines oversight by the Department of Consumer Protection. The law regulates online casino gaming, sports betting, fantasy contests, and keno through the internet or mobile apps, while clarifying what constitutes legal gaming activities. It replaces outdated statutes to provide a clear structure for these industries under state regulation.

Maddy summarySB 1375 amends traffic laws to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It requires distinctive markings for crosswalks near schools, mandates that drivers yield to pedestrians in all marked and unmarked crosswalks (including when pedestrians signal intent to cross), and prohibits drivers from passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians. The bill also restricts commercial vehicles and buses from driving in the extreme left lane on multi-lane highways (except during merging or emergencies) and sets an $88 fine for violations. These changes directly affect all drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and school zones across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 6964 establishes a task force to study how to provide emergency treatment and transportation for animals (like police dogs) injured while performing duties under a peace officer. The task force will examine appropriate circumstances for care, required training for emergency medical personnel, available veterinary facilities, equipment sanitation, and scope of practice issues. Composed of appointed members including police officers, EMS providers, and legislative leaders, it must submit a report by January 1, 2026. This procedural bill does not create new law but directs a study to inform potential future policy changes.