Rep. Jenn Leeper

Maddy summarySB 1502 allows courts to consider sentence reductions for individuals convicted of felonies who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. It directly affects defendants who can provide documented evidence (like court records, protective orders, or professional affidavits) showing their trauma was a contributing factor in their offense. The bill requires courts to review such requests before sentencing, using specific evidence standards outlined in the law. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to all felony convictions after that date.

Maddy summarySB 1438 prohibits performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on anyone under 18 years old, making it a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. It directly affects minors under 18 and healthcare providers who perform non-medical procedures involving cutting or altering the labia or clitoris. The bill includes two key exceptions: medically necessary procedures by licensed physicians, or procedures during childbirth performed by licensed physicians, nurse-midwives, or trainees for birth-related medical purposes. Crucially, it explicitly states that procedures justified solely by cultural or ritual beliefs do not qualify as medical exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6862 regulates electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Connecticut by setting safety standards and labeling requirements for manufacturers and sellers. It requires e-bikes to display clear labels showing speed, wattage, and class (with class 3 bikes needing speedometers), and prohibits modifications that alter their classification or speed capabilities. Sellers must disclose in advertisements that vehicles marketed as "e-bikes" may not qualify as such under state law and warn consumers about insurance coverage gaps and motor vehicle regulations. The bill also restricts riding class 3 e-bikes on bike trails and class 1/2 e-bikes on certain natural-surface paths, while imposing fines up to $300 for violations. These changes directly affect e-bike manufacturers, sellers, and riders using e-bikes on public roads or trails.

Maddy summarySB 1243 exempts veterans with a state-issued veteran ID (like a driver's license marking veteran status) from paying bus fares on state-operated routes. It also creates a program allowing public high schools (grades 9-12) to obtain discounted or free bus passes for students, requiring schools to negotiate contracts with the Department of Transportation to cover costs. The DOT must publish program details online by August 2025 and report annually on pass usage and expenses. This directly affects veterans seeking free bus access and school districts participating in the student pass program.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant all Connecticut residents an enforceable right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, a healthy environment, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these rights equitably, avoid unreasonable infringement, and actively conserve natural resources like water, air, and wildlife for current and future generations. If passed by three-quarters of both legislative chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval to become part of Connecticut's constitution. The amendment would not create new regulations but would establish a legal foundation for residents to seek court enforcement of environmental protections.

Maddy summaryHB 7057 requires Connecticut's Department of Transportation (DOT) to create and fund a schedule for installing noise barriers along existing highways by October 1, 2025. The bill mandates that the DOT base this schedule on its existing priority list for noise barrier projects (specifically "Type II" retrofits on current highways) and publish the schedule and project status online. It directly affects residents living near highways where noise barriers are planned, aiming to reduce traffic noise pollution at 37 identified locations. The project will cost over $320 million total (with approximately $83 million covered by the state), to be funded over 15-20 years without impacting the DOT's current capital budget.

Maddy summaryHB 6839 increases the maximum number of children allowed in family child care homes from nine to twelve when an approved assistant is present. It also modifies rental agreements and condominium declarations to prohibit landlords or condo associations from banning or restricting licensed family child care operations after July 1, 2025. The bill directly affects childcare providers operating from homes or rentals and landlords/condo associations with such restrictions. Key provisions include raising capacity limits while ensuring childcare homes cannot be excluded from residential properties through lease or declaration terms.

Maddy summaryHB 5026 exempts the sale, storage, use, and consumption of aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds (maximum certificated takeoff weight) from state sales and use taxes. This change directly affects owners, buyers, and sellers of small aircraft, such as personal or small business planes. The bill amends existing tax law to create a uniform exemption for this category of aircraft, removing a tax burden previously applied to their purchase and use. It does not apply to larger aircraft or other taxable items.

Maddy summaryHB 5986 establishes a refundable child tax credit of $600 per child (up to three children) against personal income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families filing taxes, specifically those with federal adjusted gross income under $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive the full amount even if their tax liability is zero. This policy provides direct cash support to qualifying households with children, reducing their overall tax burden.

Maddy summaryHB 6916 bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on most public and private turf (like golf courses, lawns, and municipal properties) and for corn, wheat, and soybean crops starting January 1, 2028. It also prohibits selling or distributing neonicotinoid-treated agricultural seeds for these crops after January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is granted. The bill allows temporary exceptions for environmental emergencies (approved by the Environmental Protection Commissioner) and requires farmers seeking waivers for seed treatments to undergo pest risk assessments, complete integrated pest management training, and prove less harmful alternatives aren't feasible. These provisions directly affect property managers, municipalities, and farmers in Connecticut.