Rep. Lucy Dathan

Maddy summaryHB 6487 requires the Auditors of Public Accounts and the Office of Policy and Management to review how much public and private providers cost to deliver residential, day, and work programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities who receive 24-hour care through the Department of Developmental Services. The review must compare costs between public and private providers, analyze cost differences based on client need levels, assess care quality in residential settings, and recommend the most cost-effective system. The auditors must submit a report by February 15, 2026, to the legislature’s government oversight committee. This bill directly affects the state’s funding structure for these services and impacts both public agencies and private service providers serving this population.

Maddy summaryHB 6229 bans polystyrene foodware (like foam containers) and most single-use plastic items (including straws, stirrers, and food accessories) for food vendors, government agencies, schools, and businesses starting July 1, 2027. Exceptions include biodegradable straws provided upon request (especially for people with disabilities) and specific packaging uses like pre-sealed food or meat storage. The bill also requires state/municipal buildings and schools to install reusable water bottle filling stations when replacing drinking fountains, effective January 2027. A task force will study sustainable alternatives and report by February 2026, but the law itself focuses on direct restrictions and infrastructure changes.

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 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 6973 allows towns, cities, or boroughs to negotiate with volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members how much they pay toward group health insurance premiums, instead of requiring volunteers to cover 100% of the cost. It applies to active members of volunteer fire/ambulance organizations in municipalities that already offer employee group health plans. Volunteers must still elect coverage, meet active-status requirements, and pay a negotiated share of the premium (not 100%). The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not require municipalities to offer this option.

Maddy summaryHB 6915 bans the use of certain second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (containing brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, or difethialone) statewide starting October 1, 2025, affecting most residential, commercial, and general pest control uses. Key exceptions allow continued use for public health activities (e.g., water infrastructure protection, mosquito control), emergency rodent infestations requiring public health approval, specific facilities like medical waste sites and food production facilities, and agricultural operations in designated locations (warehouses, slaughterhouses, etc.). The bill also requires the Environmental Protection Commissioner to develop wildlife protection regulations and submit a 2027 report analyzing impacts on public health, agriculture, and federal compliance. This policy change directly affects pest control businesses, property managers, and agricultural operations while permitting limited uses for public health and critical infrastructure needs.

Maddy summaryHB 6101 would expand Medicaid coverage to include prescribed fruits and vegetables for Connecticut Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with nutrition-related chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. It requires the state to seek a federal Medicaid waiver to fund these "produce prescriptions" as a treatment option. The bill also aims to remove barriers preventing low-income families from accessing Connecticut's Farmers' Market and WIC nutrition programs. These changes would directly benefit low-income residents managing chronic health conditions through improved access to healthy food.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 6813 modifies how municipalities earn points for affordable housing appeals by allowing them to receive one point per elderly housing unit (capped at 20% of their total points) and one point per three-bedroom dwelling unit (capped at 10% of their total points). This bill directly affects municipalities participating in the affordable housing appeals procedure, changing the point allocation system for qualifying housing types. The key provision adjusts the existing point system to specifically credit elderly housing and larger family-sized units within set percentage limits. The change does not alter the total points available but shifts how municipalities can accumulate points toward their affordable housing goals.

Maddy summaryHB 6516 allocates $12 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to fund victim services for individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, drunk driving incidents, homicide, child abuse, and human trafficking. The bill directly supports victims of these specific crimes by providing new funding for essential services like counseling, legal assistance, and emergency shelter. Key provisions include mandatory allocation of these funds to state and local victim service programs, ensuring resources are directed to those impacted by the listed offenses. This legislation represents a concrete policy change focused on expanding access to critical support services for vulnerable populations.