Rep. Nick Menapace

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 summaryThis bill creates a new crime called organized retail theft to target large-scale shoplifting operations and related activities. It defines retail property as items intended for sale and establishes that stealing merchandise worth over $2,000 within a year, or selling stolen goods to someone who knows they are stolen, constitutes this new offense. The law also makes it a crime to receive, possess, or sell stolen retail property with intent to distribute it, even if obtained through other means, and classifies these acts as felonies with penalties increasing if the financial gain exceeds $10,000. The bill also updates the general definition of larceny to include various methods of obtaining property such as false promises, extortion, and fraud against public communities. These changes would take effect on October 1, 2026.

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 summarySB 318 requires Connecticut's State Veterinarian to identify and maintain a 24/7 contact person for domestic violence victims needing temporary or permanent placement of companion animals. This contact person must provide real-time information about animal rescue organizations, dog pounds, and shelters to victims, with updates shared to domestic violence groups, police, and animal facilities. The bill also clarifies the State Veterinarian's authority to issue disease prevention orders for animals and establishes a working group by July 2026 to study funding for Connecticut's animal population control program. The working group includes representatives from animal welfare groups, veterinary associations, and animal control officers. This legislation directly affects domestic violence victims and animal care providers by improving access to pet placement resources during crises.

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 new consumer protections for long-term care insurance policies in Connecticut, affecting insurance companies, policyholders, and state agencies. It requires the Office of Policy and Management to create an outreach program educating consumers about long-term care options, financing, and asset protection rules. The bill mandates that insurance policies must offer home and community-based services, include inflation protection, and cannot tie executive compensation to rate increases. Additionally, insurers must maintain a minimum 60% loss ratio, and any premium increases of 20% or more must be spread over at least three years.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands state Medicaid coverage to include room and board costs for patients receiving hospice care at short-term hospice specialty hospitals or licensed hospice facilities. Starting July 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Social Services will use available state funds to reimburse these specific care settings for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries. The legislation requires a report by January 15, 2027, to document any cost savings achieved by treating patients in these facilities compared to acute care hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.

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.