Rep. Chris Poulos

Maddy summarySB 220 requires school districts to create individual reading plans for students in grades 4-9 who scored at Level 1 or 2 on English Language Arts exams or missed growth targets. Each plan must identify specific reading gaps, outline evidence-based interventions (like small-group tutoring with a 4:1 student-to-tutor ratio), and include parent communication. The bill also establishes a state grant program to fund high-dosage tutoring for these students, prioritizing districts in alliance towns or with detailed implementation plans. It updates required reading assessments for kindergarten through grade 3 to include frequent screening and progress monitoring.

Maddy summarySB 282 requires Connecticut towns and cities to establish veteran oversight committees by January 2027 to monitor the care of veterans' graves from pre-1776 conflicts through modern U.S. military service. It mandates electronic complaint systems for both public cemeteries (managed by towns) and private cemeteries (e.g., nonprofit associations), with towns posting complaint addresses online. The bill also creates a grant program through the Department of Consumer Protection, providing funds to municipalities for grave maintenance costs starting October 2026. These provisions directly affect local governments, cemetery operators, and the ongoing upkeep of veterans' graves across Connecticut.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Small Business Affairs within Connecticut's Department of Economic and Community Development to provide dedicated support to small businesses, with particular focus on those owned by minorities and economically disadvantaged individuals. The office will coordinate existing state programs, serve as a central contact point for business owners seeking financial and technical assistance, and maintain an updated online resource directory. A designated employee will offer concierge services to help small businesses navigate available economic development projects and programs. The legislation takes effect on October 1, 2026, and requires an annual budget of approximately $109,500 in the first year.

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 directs the Connecticut Comptroller to study the feasibility and cost of creating a stipend program for Civil Air Patrol members who miss work to respond to state or federal emergencies, natural disasters, or required training. The study would focus on members who are absent from their jobs to assist with Governor-declared emergencies, requests from federal agencies like the Air Force or Coast Guard, or participation in mandatory emergency services training. The Comptroller must submit a report on the study's findings to the relevant legislative committee by January 1, 2027. Currently, the bill does not establish the stipend program itself but rather requires an analysis to determine if such a program is practical and affordable to implement.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definition of intellectual disability used by the Department of Developmental Services to align with the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual, which will affect eligibility for state-administered services starting July 1, 2026. It includes a protection clause ensuring that people currently receiving services will not lose benefits or face reduced services due to changes in eligibility criteria resulting from this definition update. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Developmental Services to review and potentially adjust eligibility criteria by December 1, 2026, after consulting with stakeholders and studying best practices from other states. A report detailing recommendations, expected impacts on eligible populations, and associated costs must be submitted to the General Assembly committees overseeing human services and appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 306 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to develop a Comprehensive Energy Strategy every four years (starting October 1, 2020), which must address all state energy needs (electricity, heating, cooling, transportation), meet greenhouse gas reduction goals, and incorporate existing energy plans. The strategy must include cost assessments, public input through meetings and a 60-day comment period, and analyze natural gas expansion, efficiency goals, and rate impacts. It directly affects state agencies, utilities (via the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority's comments), and residents through potential energy cost and service changes. The bill mandates specific content and public engagement procedures but does not create new funding or impose direct costs on individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinator within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee state efforts to prevent human trafficking. The coordinator will work with various state agencies and law enforcement to develop prevention strategies, create a confidential database for reporting trafficking incidents, and maintain a directory of victim service providers. Additionally, the bill requires the coordinator to develop training programs for state agencies, healthcare facilities, and other organizations on identifying and responding to trafficking cases. A Trafficking in Persons Council will also be updated to include the new coordinator and representatives from multiple state departments to coordinate statewide response activities.