Rep. Jill Barry

Maddy summaryHB 6883 protects the addresses of domestic violence and sexual assault victims living in shelters or transitional housing. It prohibits housing providers from disclosing these locations without the victim’s explicit consent. This law directly affects victims seeking safety and their housing providers, preventing abusers from locating them through address sharing. The key provision requires confidentiality around housing addresses to enhance victim safety. The bill became law after Governor’s signature on June 23, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5019 requires battery manufacturers to fund and manage the recycling of consumer batteries after they are discarded, shifting responsibility from taxpayers and local governments. It directly affects battery producers and retailers selling consumer batteries within the state. Key provisions mandate producers to establish collection systems, cover recycling costs, and meet specific recycling rate targets. The bill became law (Public Act 25-34) after the governor signed it on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7020 clarifies definitions for Connecticut's Certified Public Accountant (CPA) regulations, directly affecting CPAs, accounting firms, and the State Board of Accountancy. It replaces outdated terms with updated definitions (e.g., "license" for practice authorization, "permit" for firm registration, and "quality review" for independent audits) to align with current professional standards. The bill standardizes terminology for services like audits ("attest"), financial statement preparation ("compilation"), and the use of CPA titles, ensuring consistent regulatory application. Effective October 1, 2025, it updates statutory references without creating new practice requirements or fees.

Maddy summarySB 721 designates the third Friday in June as "National Women Veterans Recognition Day" within the state. This procedural bill formally establishes a ceremonial observance to honor women veterans' service and contributions. It does not create new benefits, funding, or legal requirements; it solely sets a date for recognition. The bill was enacted as Public Act 25-20 after receiving gubernatorial approval on June 9, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7202 establishes two new training initiatives for law enforcement in Connecticut. First, it creates a "social work and law enforcement project" at Southern Connecticut State University to train police and social workers to collaborate, with goals including addressing systemic racism and improving community wellness. Second, it mandates a police training center at Central Connecticut State University focused on crime scene processing and forensic evidence. The bill also significantly increases required training for officers handling juvenile cases (to 27 hours minimum in basic training) and requires new curriculum by 2026 on interacting with people with autism, cognitive impairments, or mental health conditions, developed with input from affected communities. These changes directly affect all Connecticut police officers through updated training requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1426 expands Connecticut's Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to provide benefits for firefighters diagnosed with cancer affecting specific body systems (skin, brain, respiratory, etc.). Eligible firefighters must meet strict criteria: no prior cancer evidence at hire, no smoking for 15 years before diagnosis, at least five years of qualifying service (as interior structural firefighters or related roles), and annual health screenings. The bill ensures these firefighters receive workers' compensation-style benefits and retirement/survivor benefits from the relief account, covering uncovered treatment costs, while offsetting any existing benefits from workers' compensation or retirement systems. It becomes effective October 1, 2025, and administers claims like standard workers' compensation under Chapter 568.

Maddy summarySB 611 sets maximum fees for occupational licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations in Connecticut. It directly affects professionals including certified public accountants (reducing initial fees from $150 to $100), architects, engineers, and surveyors. Key provisions include lowering initial license fees (e.g., professional engineers from $220 to $100) and annual renewal fees (e.g., class B fees from $150 to $100), effective July 1, 2025. The bill standardizes these fee structures under the Department of Consumer Protection without altering licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 7038 requires the Insurance Commissioner, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Agriculture, to conduct a feasibility study on creating a captive insurance company or using parametric insurance to provide financial assistance to farmers in the state affected by severe weather. The study must evaluate both options and report findings to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This bill does not create new insurance programs but only mandates an analysis to determine if such programs could be implemented. It directly affects farmers facing weather-related losses and focuses solely on assessing potential solutions through a formal study.

Maddy summaryHB 6876 establishes First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts to help new homeowners save for down payments and closing costs, directly affecting first-time homebuyers purchasing one-to-four family residences in the state. The bill allows individuals or couples to open these accounts at financial institutions, with funds used exclusively for qualifying home purchase expenses like down payments and closing costs. Account holders can contribute any amount (including from employers), and the bill creates a related state tax deduction and credit for qualifying expenses. The program begins January 1, 2026, with specific rules for account designation, tax reporting, and fund usage.

Maddy summaryHB 7120 creates grants to remove PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from fire apparatus, affecting municipalities, independent fire companies, and state agencies. It expands eligibility to include these groups, allows reimbursement for PFAS removal completed before July 1, 2023, and ensures unspent funds from the original $3 million allocation carry over to the next fiscal year. This prevents funds from expiring and enables continued support for PFAS removal efforts.