Rep. Matt Blumenthal

Maddy summaryHB 6958 prohibits publishers from including certain terms in digital book and audiobook license agreements with libraries. It bans clauses that block libraries from lending digital materials (including interlibrary loans), limit how many times a book can be lent, prevent making preservation copies, or restrict sharing contract terms with other libraries. Libraries may still set reasonable limits on simultaneous users or use technology to control access periods. The law applies to new or renewed contracts after July 1, 2026, affecting public, school, and academic libraries in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 35 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the state's equal protection clause by explicitly prohibiting sex discrimination that includes pregnancy (including decisions about pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and related health care. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, this amendment would require all state laws and government actions to comply with these expanded protections. The resolution must secure a three-quarters majority vote in both legislative chambers to appear on the 2026 general election ballot for voter approval.

Maddy summaryHB 6078 requires colleges and universities to form campus committees - including student, administrative, and health care representatives - to assess whether emergency contraception vending machines are needed on their campuses. If a need is identified, the committee must develop an installation plan and apply for a one-time grant to cover costs, with applications due January 1, 2026. The Office of Higher Education will administer a grant program providing limited funding per vending machine, based on available funds and submitted plans. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, with machines potentially becoming available starting January 1, 2026.

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 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.

Maddy summaryHB 6651 defines digital currency in the penal code to align with banking standards, allows law enforcement to seize digital wallets associated with cryptocurrency theft before a conviction to fund victim compensation, and creates a dedicated budget within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The bill provides resources for the department to purchase technology, train officers, and coordinate with local police to investigate crypto theft cases more effectively. It directly affects victims of cryptocurrency theft by establishing a compensation mechanism and law enforcement agencies by funding specialized tools and training. The key provisions focus on standardizing legal definitions, enabling victim restitution through asset seizure, and enhancing investigative capabilities for crypto-related crimes.

Maddy summarySB 1131 increases penalties for allowing dogs to roam freely. It imposes a $350 fine for a first violation, $550 for a second offense, and treats third or subsequent violations as misdemeanors. The bill directly affects dog owners who repeatedly fail to control their pets in public spaces. These changes apply to existing statutes governing roaming dogs, escalating consequences for repeated violations without altering the core prohibition.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that local municipalities have the right to participate in decisions about authorized uses in areas managed by harbor commissions. It amends the Harbor Management Act to specifically state this participation right, ensuring municipalities can be involved in harbor-related planning and approvals. The change directly affects all cities and towns with harbor management commissions across the state. The bill does not create new policies but updates existing law to remove ambiguity about municipal involvement.

Maddy summaryHB 5959 requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to regulate all residential internet service as a public utility in the state. This bill directly affects residential internet customers and providers by subjecting their service to state oversight. Key provisions mandate that the regulatory authority must approve all rate increases for residential internet service before they take effect. The bill aims to establish standardized oversight for internet service rates, similar to traditional utility services. (Bill: HB 5959, Title: AN ACT REQUIRING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY TO REGULATE RESIDENTIAL INTERNET SERVICE.)

Maddy summaryHB 6145 requires health insurance companies to annually certify compliance with state and federal laws ensuring mental health and substance use disorder benefits are covered equally to physical health care. It repeals rules that previously kept insurer names confidential in compliance filings, increasing transparency. The bill creates a new state fund (the "parity advancement account") to support enforcement and public education about parity rights, and authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to impose civil penalties on companies violating these laws. This directly affects insurance providers and their customers seeking mental health or substance use treatment.