Rep. John Santanella

Maddy summaryHB 6913, now Public Act 25-17, bans long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) from discriminating against residents. It directly affects residents in these facilities by prohibiting unfair treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, or other personal factors. The law requires facilities to follow non-discrimination standards in all resident services and care decisions. This policy change takes effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 3, 2025, ensuring residents are treated fairly under state law.

Maddy summarySB 1371 establishes a "just cause" standard for the termination of teacher contracts. This means that school districts would be required to have a specific, valid reason to end a teacher's employment. For teachers who have attained tenure, the bill mandates that any contract termination hearing must be conducted by a neutral hearing officer. This aims to provide an impartial process for tenured teachers facing potential contract termination.

Maddy summaryHB 6073 requires Connecticut state agencies to regularly review their existing regulations every seven years, starting from a specified date. Agencies must identify obsolete rules (unused for seven years, inconsistent with laws, or no longer effective), propose reductions, and report findings to legislative committees and the public. The bill mandates public hearings on review results and gives legislative committees authority to push for regulatory changes or introduce new laws if agencies fail to comply. This affects all state agencies with regulatory authority, aiming to streamline and modernize state rules.

Maddy summaryHB 7242 establishes a nine-member task force to study strategies for achieving 100% voter participation in the state by 2030, including examining civic engagement methods, mandatory voting models, and administrative needs for election officials. The task force, appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor, must submit findings and recommendations - including potential funding mechanisms - to the elections committee by February 1, 2026. The bill also authorizes municipalities to create voluntary pilot programs (within existing budgets) focused on voter outreach and education to boost participation, subject to state election laws. These programs are optional for local governments and do not require new state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 7009 establishes a Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement for high school diplomas, requiring students to complete two years of social studies (including a U.S. government or civics course), participate in a civic engagement project, and demonstrate civics proficiency through assessments. It mandates expanded transparency in school data tracking, requiring public schools to collect and report detailed information about multilingual learners (including home language and bilingual program participation) starting in 2026. The bill also creates a parent bill of rights for multilingual learners to protect their educational rights and requires school districts to make Islamic and Arab studies curriculum materials available. These provisions directly affect Connecticut public schools, students, and families, focusing on civic education standards, data transparency, and equitable resource access.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises Connecticut's rules for colored or flashing lights on vehicles. It requires permits for most non-government vehicles using blue lights (for volunteer fire/ambulance members), red lights (for fire chiefs/emergency officials), or yellow lights (for maintenance/oversize vehicle escorts), with a $20 annual fee for non-government users. Government-owned vehicles (state, local, fire departments) are exempt from permits and fees. The law specifically allows volunteer fire/ambulance members to use blue lights on their personal vehicles when responding to emergencies, with department records kept on file. It does not change penalties for traffic violations or address the other topics listed in the bill's title.

Maddy summaryHB 6862 regulates electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Connecticut by setting safety standards and labeling requirements for manufacturers and sellers. It requires e-bikes to display clear labels showing speed, wattage, and class (with class 3 bikes needing speedometers), and prohibits modifications that alter their classification or speed capabilities. Sellers must disclose in advertisements that vehicles marketed as "e-bikes" may not qualify as such under state law and warn consumers about insurance coverage gaps and motor vehicle regulations. The bill also restricts riding class 3 e-bikes on bike trails and class 1/2 e-bikes on certain natural-surface paths, while imposing fines up to $300 for violations. These changes directly affect e-bike manufacturers, sellers, and riders using e-bikes on public roads or trails.

Maddy summaryHB 6748 allows veterans with an "other than honorable" military discharge to apply to have their state veterans registry record updated to "honorable" if they believe the discharge was based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or a qualifying medical/service-related condition. Veterans must submit evidence supporting their claim through a standardized state application process, reviewed by a board within 30 days and decided by the state Veterans Affairs commissioner within 10 days. If approved, veterans gain eligibility for state-based veterans benefits and are recorded as having an "honorable" discharge on the state registry. The bill also updates related statutes to align with these changes, focusing solely on state registry classification - not federal discharge status.

Maddy summaryHB 6786 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE HIRING RATIO FOR SKILLED TRADES) allows licensed contractors in electrical, plumbing, heating, piping, sprinkler fitter, or sheet metal work to temporarily hire more apprentices than standard ratios require if they meet specific criteria. Directly affecting these contractors, the bill creates a formal application process where businesses must prove they’re in good standing, have no recent wage violations, maintain a 40% apprentice completion rate for licensure, and agree to track apprentice work hours. If approved, the hiring relief applies to specific apprentices for up to six years, even if the business later fails to meet the criteria. The Labor Department must review applications within 10 business days and submit annual reports to the legislature on the program’s impact. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 7146 changes how Connecticut municipalities publish legal notices. It requires notices to appear in newspapers with "sufficient circulation" (defined as 15% of households based on census data) or, if no such newspaper exists, on the municipality's website for 90 days. Municipalities must identify qualifying newspapers by April 2026 and select one for notice publication, with online posting required if no newspaper meets the circulation standard. This applies to all towns, cities, and boroughs that currently publish legal notices in newspapers, effective July 1, 2026, with a transition period until June 2027.