Rep. Lucy Dathan

Maddy summaryThis bill reformers address verification requirements for individuals required to register under Connecticut sex offender laws, including those convicted of sexually violent offenses. It reduces penalties for failing to report changes in name, address, or status from a class D felony to a C misdemeanor, and allows charges to be dismissed if the person corrects the violation within 20 business days of arraignment and has no prior convictions. The legislation also establishes an affirmative defense for those unable to comply due to uncontrollable circumstances and requires the state to mail address verification forms within five business days upon request. These changes aim to make the registration process more manageable while maintaining oversight of registrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the federal Americans with Disabilities Act into Connecticut state law by incorporating the act and its regulations into the state's general statutes, ensuring they apply with the same force as if fully written into state law. It allows individuals who believe they have been discriminated against under the ADA to file complaints with the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities instead of pursuing federal complaints, provided state law does not offer more stringent protections. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and applies to employment, state and local government services, and public accommodations covered by the federal act.

Maddy summaryHB 5340 establishes a new program to expand access to residential renewable energy by requiring electric distribution companies to offer tariffs for purchasing energy from small-scale, on-premise renewable systems (under 25 kilowatts). It directly affects low-income residential customers and those in affordable housing developments (defined as households earning ≤60% of area median income or meeting specific housing affordability criteria). The bill mandates the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to create this program by July 2027, setting rates and terms that consider grid reliability, installation costs, and benefits to both participants and non-participants. The program will allow residential customers to sell excess renewable energy back to utilities under standardized terms for up to 20 years.

Maddy summaryHB 5155 requires Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to create an online database tracking pesticide sales and use by December 2028, replacing older reporting methods. The database will make public access to historical pesticide data (from Chapter 441 of state law) and include pesticide-treated seed information collected with the Department of Agriculture. It allocates $100,000 for development in fiscal year 2027. This directly affects pesticide sellers and users (who must report through the new system) and provides the public with clearer access to where, what, and how much pesticides are used statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal framework for supported decision-making, allowing adults to voluntarily choose supporters who help them understand and communicate their personal and financial decisions without removing their decision-making authority. The law requires a written agreement signed by the adult, their chosen supporters, and two witnesses, and mandates that businesses, government agencies, medical providers, and schools must recognize and respect these agreements. Supporters can assist with accessing information, making appointments, and advocating for the adult's wishes, but they are prohibited from making decisions on behalf of the adult or exerting undue influence. The Department of Aging and Disability Services will create a program to educate adults and families about this option, and third parties who rely on these agreements in good faith will be protected from liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new Medicaid payment rates and service limits for adult dental care and cognitive assessments in Connecticut. Starting July 1, 2026, it requires prior authorization for nonemergency dental services while exempting basic preventive care and medically necessary procedures from a $1,000 annual spending cap. The legislation also directs the state to update Medicaid reimbursement rates to match Medicare standards for cognitive assessments and care planning for patients under 65 showing signs of cognitive impairment. Additionally, it creates a structured advisory council with representatives from various healthcare sectors to oversee Medicaid service modifications and ensure balanced oversight of dental benefit limitations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definition of intellectual disability used by the Department of Developmental Services to align with the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual, which will affect eligibility for state-administered services starting July 1, 2026. It includes a protection clause ensuring that people currently receiving services will not lose benefits or face reduced services due to changes in eligibility criteria resulting from this definition update. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Developmental Services to review and potentially adjust eligibility criteria by December 1, 2026, after consulting with stakeholders and studying best practices from other states. A report detailing recommendations, expected impacts on eligible populations, and associated costs must be submitted to the General Assembly committees overseeing human services and appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 87 creates a Nonprofit Provider Advisory Board within the Office of Policy and Management to advise state leaders on improving nonprofit services and efficiency. The board, appointed by the governor and including agency commissioners, will focus on enhancing nonprofit financial viability, streamlining state processes, and developing standardized data collection for nonprofit impact. The bill also includes two key protections: insurers cannot deny auto insurance renewals or increase rates for volunteer drivers serving nonprofits, and health insurers cannot retroactively deny claims for covered services after 12 months. These provisions directly affect nonprofit organizations, their volunteer drivers, and healthcare providers by creating advisory structures and safeguarding against insurance penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 5374 requires individual health insurance policies in Connecticut that cover chemotherapy to also provide coverage for scalp cooling systems used to prevent hair loss during treatment. This applies to policies delivered, renewed, or continued on or after January 1, 2027, and mandates coverage "at least equivalent to such coverage provided under Medicare." The bill specifically targets policies covering certain chemotherapy-related treatments, directly affecting patients receiving chemotherapy who may use scalp cooling systems. It does not apply to group plans or other insurance types, focusing solely on individual health insurance policies meeting the specified coverage criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.