Rep. Pat Boyd

Maddy summaryHB 7073 requires police officers to review certain body-worn camera or dashboard camera recordings before making decisions about using force. It directly affects police departments and officers by mandating this review process for specific incidents. The bill's key provision establishes a requirement for officers to examine relevant video evidence prior to concluding use-of-force actions. This legislation became law as Public Act 25-100 after the governor signed it on June 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 1284 gives local governments new authority to regulate recreational vehicles (like ATVs and dirt bikes) and prohibit "street takeovers" through municipal ordinances. It allows towns to set fines (up to $2,000 for repeat offenses) and seize vehicles for violations, while requiring notice to owners before forfeiture and protecting innocent owners/lienholders. The bill also defines "street takeover" and lets municipalities ban such gatherings, imposing fines and impounding vehicles used in violations until fines are paid. Violations could lead to driver's license suspensions for repeat offenses under linked state law. These changes take effect in July 2025 for vehicle rules and October 2025 for street takeover provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 5001, now Public Act 25-67, updates Connecticut's standards for special education services to improve quality and accessibility. It directly affects students with disabilities, their families, and school districts by establishing new requirements for service delivery and accountability. The bill includes specific provisions for individualized education program (IEP) reviews, staff training, and parent communication protocols. While the exact mechanisms aren't detailed in the provided context, the law mandates these structural changes to enhance support for students. As a substantive law, it replaces prior requirements for special education services across Connecticut public schools.

Maddy summarySB 1239 creates the Fallen Hero Fund to provide ongoing health insurance coverage for surviving spouses and dependents of first responders (like police, firefighters, and EMTs) who die while performing their duties. The bill establishes a permanent program where the fund covers the full cost of health insurance premiums for these survivors. This law, now Public Act 25-61 after being signed by the governor on June 10, 2025, directly affects the families of fallen first responders by ensuring they maintain health coverage without out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryThis law creates a new "supplemental paramedic" role within emergency medical services, establishing specific training standards for individuals providing basic life support under supervision. It directly affects ambulance service providers and patients receiving non-life-threatening emergency care by expanding the qualified workforce available for such cases. The key provision authorizes supplemental paramedics to perform defined duties without requiring a full paramedic license, streamlining staffing for lower-acuity emergencies. The bill was enacted as Public Act 25-56 after receiving gubernatorial approval on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7056 requires retail firearm sellers (those selling 10+ handguns annually or federally licensed dealers) to obtain a permit from local authorities, which must include proof of a valid pistol permit and compliance with local zoning rules - though personal collection sales are exempt from zoning checks. It also establishes a "temporary state permit" for residents to carry handguns, requiring successful completion of a state-approved safety course (including safe storage instruction) and passing criminal background checks. The law applies directly to firearm sellers, residents applying for carry permits, and tribal law enforcement units in specific cases. Key changes include updated training requirements for permits and exemptions for personal firearm collections.

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 1492 aims to improve law enforcement recruitment and retention in Connecticut. It requires the state to develop a statewide promotion plan for law enforcement careers, fund a full-time coordinator for youth cadet/explorer programs, and provide $5,000 grants to municipalities operating such programs. The bill also establishes a grant to reimburse police departments for basic training costs and allows college courses to count toward academy requirements. Additionally, it updates certification rules to permit noncitizens lawfully residing in the U.S. to become officers, while requiring recertification after two years of non-employment.

Maddy summaryHB 7199 creates a mortgage assistance program for Connecticut firefighters to help them purchase homes in their communities, administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority through down payment assistance or other housing subsidies. It also adds new tuition waivers at community colleges and state universities for: (1) firefighters with at least two years of service, and (2) dependent children of firefighters who have served five years or more. These benefits directly support current and veteran firefighters and their families by reducing housing and education costs. The bill aims to improve recruitment and retention by addressing financial barriers to living in the communities they serve. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

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.