Rep. Corey Paris

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 removes sales tax on clothing under $100, school supplies, and appliances, and eliminates a 1% tax on meals sold by grocery stores. It creates new tax credits for homeowners (increasing the existing credit), caregivers of elderly or disabled family members, and renters earning $75,000 or less for primary residence costs. These changes directly lower tax burdens for Connecticut residents, particularly lower- and middle-income households. The bill modifies sales tax rules and expands income tax credits to improve affordability.

Maddy summaryHB 5211 requires providers offering sales-based commercial financing (repayments tied to a business's sales/revenue) to disclose four specific details to recipients: the total financing amount, disbursement amount (excluding finance charges), finance charge, and an estimated annual percentage rate (APR) based on projected sales. This applies to financing under $250,000 not intended for personal use, directly affecting small businesses and the providers (like brokers or non-bank lenders) offering this financing. The APR must be calculated using either historical sales data or an opt-in method, with providers notifying the Banking Commissioner of their chosen method. Banks, credit unions, and certain large lenders are exempt from these requirements. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two main programs to support unpaid and paid internship opportunities in Connecticut. First, it requires state higher education boards to create a program that helps small businesses with 50 or fewer employees offer paid, high-quality internships by providing training and resources on managing internship programs. Second, it creates a stipend program for college students receiving federal Pell grants to offset costs like transportation and clothing when participating in internships. The bill also mandates annual reporting on program participation and establishes a state quality seal to recognize businesses with internship programs that meet specific standards for mentorship, learning opportunities, and clear communication.

Maddy summarySB 3 requires the state to cover the full cost of health care premium increases for people enrolled in Access Health CT who have household incomes between 500% and 600% of the federal poverty level. This directly affects moderate-income residents who rely on Access Health CT for health insurance, ensuring they do not face higher out-of-pocket costs due to premium hikes. The bill mandates a state appropriation from the General Fund to pay for these increases, rather than shifting the cost to enrollees. It aims to maintain affordability amid federal subsidy reductions, without creating new programs or altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 5114 would create a refundable tax credit for renters in the state who pay personal income tax. It allows eligible renters to claim a credit equal to a portion of their rent payments for a primary residence, based on the property tax assessed on that rental property. This credit directly reduces the renter's tax liability and, because it's refundable, could provide a cash refund even if the renter owes no tax. The bill affects renters with primary residences in the state who pay income tax, targeting those whose rent payments correlate with the property tax burden on their landlord's property.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut's Temporary Family Assistance program to help prevent families from losing benefits when they earn more money, a situation known as a benefits cliff. It allows the state to run a separate, fully state-funded version of the program to avoid federal financial penalties while keeping the same eligibility rules as the federal program. The legislation also creates specific exemptions from the 36-month time limit for families with incapacitated or elderly caretakers, pregnant women, and minor parents finishing high school, and permits up to two six-month extensions for families facing barriers like domestic violence or low income.

Maddy summarySB 380 establishes the Office of Postsecondary Success within the Department of Education to support scholarship programs for students pursuing higher education. The office will fund existing "promise programs" (scholarships paired with mentoring and career support) at $3,000 per enrolled student, require annual reporting on student outcomes like graduation and job placement, and work to create eight new promise programs by 2031, prioritizing students in designated alliance districts. It also mandates tracking student data - including net cost of attendance, demographics, and academic progress - to improve program effectiveness. The bill directly affects students in Connecticut’s public colleges and universities, particularly those from low-to-moderate income backgrounds.

Maddy summaryHB 5306 allows courts to reduce sentences for individuals convicted of felonies who were survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, provided the abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. Defendants must submit documented proof (such as court records, protective orders, or counselor affidavits) demonstrating their survivor status and the abuse's role in the crime. Courts must then determine if the abuse was a contributing factor before applying sentence reductions. This applies to all felony convictions where the abuse contributed to the offense, without requiring it to be the sole cause, and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.