Rep. Doug Dubitsky

Maddy summaryHB 5281 (2026) requires planning commissions to publish notices of all official actions or decisions - including approvals or denials of subdivision plans - in a local newspaper with substantial circulation within 15 days. This applies to all commission decisions, not just subdivision plans, and takes effect October 1, 2026. The bill clarifies existing notice requirements, replacing Section 8-28 of the general statutes. It directly affects planning commissions and municipalities by mandating standardized public notice procedures for their decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5089 would exempt overtime wages, tips or gratuities, and Social Security benefits from the state's personal income tax. This directly affects workers who earn overtime pay, receive tips (like in restaurants), or rely on Social Security benefits as part of their income. The bill's key mechanism is amending tax law to remove these specific income sources from taxable personal income. It does not change tax rates for other income types, focusing solely on these exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 5062 eliminates the highway use tax by amending section 12-493a of the general statutes. This bill directly affects drivers and vehicle owners who previously paid this tax on vehicle use. The key mechanism is the removal of the tax provision from state law, with no new fees or requirements added. The change simplifies vehicle-related taxes but does not alter other transportation funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 5916 requires solar developers to provide financial bonds for farmland restoration before projects are approved by the Siting Council. This applies to all solar projects on farmland, whether submitted as petitions or formal applications. The bonds ensure funds are available to restore the land to agricultural use after the solar project ends. The bill directly affects solar developers seeking approval for farmland-based projects in the state. It became law after the governor signed it on July 8, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 5403 prohibits state agencies and municipalities from purchasing or operating drones (unmanned aircraft systems) manufactured or assembled in China or Russia. The bill directly affects all local and state government entities that use such drones for operations. Its key provision bans these specific foreign-made drones to protect national security by reducing reliance on technology from designated foreign adversaries. The law applies to all drone acquisitions or operations by covered government entities, without exception.

Maddy summaryHB 5051 prohibits municipalities from creating their own firearm regulations by amending Chapter 98 of the general statutes. It directly affects cities and towns, preventing them from passing local ordinances related to firearms. The key mechanism is a statewide prohibition that overrides any existing or future municipal rules on firearm regulation. The bill's purpose is to establish uniform firearm laws across the state, removing local authority over this issue.

Maddy summaryHB 5814 appropriates $125,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Economic and Community Development for a grant to Norwich, Connecticut, to support activities and infrastructure upgrades for the America 250th Anniversary celebration. The bill directly affects the city of Norwich, which will receive the funds for planning and executing commemorative events. This is a funding measure with no policy changes beyond allocating resources for a specific local celebration. The funds are designated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5819 eliminates state funding for the XL Center and requires its transfer to a private entity that commits to renovating the facility using only private funds, demonstrating sufficient financial resources. The bill directly affects the state (by ending state spending) and potential private developers (who must secure renovation financing without public money). Its key mechanism mandates that the property cannot be transferred until a private party proves they can renovate it independently, with the goal of restoring the venue to the property tax base. The bill’s purpose is to prevent further state expenditure on the facility while enabling private investment for its renewal.

Maddy summaryHB 5911 revises the Passport to the Parks program by exempting senior citizens and veterans from its vehicle registration fee. It also changes the fee structure so that individuals registering multiple vehicles with the Motor Vehicles Commissioner pay the fee on only one vehicle, rather than per vehicle. The bill directly affects these specific groups and multi-vehicle owners by reducing their registration costs. These changes apply to the vehicle registration fee component of the Passport to the Parks program, not the parks access itself.

Maddy summaryHB 5910 removes restrictions on hunting by firearm on private property during legal hunting seasons, allowing it on all days of the week - including Sundays. It directly affects landowners and hunters who use private property for hunting. The bill amends statutes to authorize this change without altering existing hunting seasons or animal species regulations. This is a straightforward policy update to align private property hunting with current seasonal rules, eliminating the previous Sunday prohibition.