Rep. Tracy Marra

Maddy summaryThis bill requires social media platforms to verify the age of users under 18 and obtain parental consent before using personalized content recommendations (like algorithm-driven feeds). It prohibits platforms from using persistent device data or a minor's past interactions to recommend content without consent, while allowing exceptions for search queries, privacy settings, or direct messages. The law applies to major social media platforms (excluding e-commerce sites and purely educational tools) and takes effect January 1, 2027. It aims to limit data-driven content exposure for minors without restricting other platform features.

Maddy summaryHB 6919 requires the state to add Duchenne muscular dystrophy screening to its mandatory newborn screening program, effective July 1, 2027. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the list of conditions screened for at birth, alongside other conditions like sickle cell disease and phenylketonuria. This affects all newborns in the state who receive routine newborn screening. The policy change ensures early detection of Duchenne muscular dystrophy through the state's public health screening program.

Maddy summaryHB 6091 requires Connecticut's Department of Social Services to stop denying Medicaid pharmacy reimbursements based on data extrapolation from minor clerical or technical errors in audits. It mandates that pharmacies receive confirmation of all notices (like billing alerts) and creates a real-time, accessible database showing which drugs are approved for the state's preferred drug list. The bill also establishes a formal grievance process by October 1, 2025, allowing pharmacies to challenge reimbursements that don't cover their actual cost to dispense drugs to Medicaid patients. This directly affects community pharmacies participating in Connecticut's Medicaid program.

Maddy summarySB 647 establishes a systems benefits charge to fund energy affordability programs, directly affecting all electricity customers in Connecticut. The bill requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to set this annual charge (effective July 1, 2025), with funds directed to specific programs like Operation Fuel for energy assistance, hardship protection measures, low-income conservation initiatives, and energy efficiency programs. It replaces an older funding mechanism and specifies exact allocations, including $2.1 million annually for energy assistance (with $200,000 for administrative costs). The bill does not change electricity rates but redirects existing funding to support vulnerable households and energy programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5680 exempts from state sales and use taxes the purchase, storage, use, or consumption of machinery and equipment specifically used by paint retailers to color or mix paint for sale. It directly affects retailers who sell paint retail, removing tax burdens on their coloring and mixing equipment. The bill modifies tax law to exclude this equipment from taxable purchases, while paint products themselves remain subject to tax. This is a targeted tax exemption focused solely on operational equipment, not the paint or broader retail sales.

Maddy summaryHB 6479 prohibits social media platforms from using algorithms that target individuals under 17 years old (such as by tracking age or phone number) and bans continuous feeds on accounts for users under 17. The bill directly affects minors under 17 and social media companies operating in the state. Key provisions require platforms to disable algorithmic targeting and continuous feed features for this age group. The law aims to limit exposure to potentially harmful content or addictive design features for young users.

Maddy summaryHB 6501 requires insurance companies to provide insured individuals with at least three independent or retail pharmacy options within a five-mile radius of their residence for filling prescriptions. This directly affects all policyholders with prescription coverage under participating insurance plans. The key provision mandates insurers to ensure accessible pharmacy choices without restricting patient location preferences. The bill aims to improve practical access to medications by guaranteeing multiple nearby pharmacy options for covered individuals. It does not alter insurance coverage or drug costs, only the availability of pharmacy locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state health commissioner to establish a formal process for individuals to request medical waivers from any state-mandated vaccination requirements. It directly affects people with medical conditions that prevent vaccination, such as those related to allergies or chronic health issues. The key mechanism is a standardized waiver request system managed by the public health department, replacing inconsistent local approaches. This process would apply to all state vaccination mandates, including those for school enrollment or certain workplace settings.

Maddy summaryHB 6587 (2025) requires the Commissioner of Public Health to study how medical waivers for school vaccination requirements are currently used. The study will examine the process and report findings to the Public Health committee of the General Assembly. This bill does not change existing vaccination rules or waiver policies - it only mandates an analysis of the current medical waiver system for school requirements. It directly affects school vaccination policies by initiating a review of how waivers are granted and utilized. The bill focuses solely on gathering data, with no immediate policy changes proposed.

Maddy summaryHB 6596 prohibits female genital mutilation (FGM) within Connecticut and requires the Department of Public Health to create an education program about its prevention. The bill explicitly bans the practice, directly affecting individuals who perform or facilitate FGM, including medical professionals and cultural practitioners. It also allows victims or their representatives to file civil lawsuits seeking remedies for harm caused by FGM. These provisions aim to prevent the practice through legal prohibition, public education, and civil enforcement mechanisms.