Rep. Hilda Santiago

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Connecticut's environmental health and drinking water statutes to clarify definitions and establish new regulatory requirements for bottled water. It directly affects bottlers, water sources, and the Department of Public Health by creating standardized definitions for terms like bottled water, spring water, and mineral water. Key provisions require the Department to inspect and approve in-state bottled water sources, issue annual schedules listing contaminants and their safe levels, and establish specific standards for fluoridated and distilled water. The changes also expand oversight to include perfluoroalkyl substances and unregulated contaminants, ensuring clearer safety guidelines for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Connecticut municipalities to register their fire protection entities in a national system and create local fire protection plans detailing how fire services are provided, including staffing levels, response times, and mutual aid agreements. The State Fire Administrator will review these plans and assign ratings, with unsatisfactory-rated municipalities required to submit improvement plans with state assistance. Additionally, the bill updates the state commission's authority to set firefighter education standards, establish training programs, and develop specialized training for responding to incidents involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder or cognitive impairments.

Maddy summaryHB 5247 establishes a test bed technologies program to help state agencies evaluate cost-saving technologies through temporary pilot programs. The bill creates an advisory board (with members appointed by the Governor, agency heads, and a nonprofit leader) to review technology proposals, ensuring they are safe, commercially viable, and not developed by businesses already eligible for other state programs. State agencies can run 30-60 day pilot tests using approved technologies, but applicants (technology providers) must cover all costs, provide independent market assessments, and maintain records. The program requires a 2030 report on pilot effectiveness to the legislature, with no mention of changes to the JobsCT tax rebate program in the provided text.

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 370 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Administrative Services to adjust the hourly pay for adjunct fire instructors at the Connecticut Fire Academy each year starting July 1, 2026. The adjustment must match the percentage increase from the most recent state-wide wage agreement between the state and its employee bargaining coalition, including any cost-of-living adjustments. This directly affects adjunct fire instructors employed by the Connecticut Fire Academy, ensuring their pay rises in line with general state employee compensation changes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to all subsequent fiscal years.

Maddy summaryHB 5331 allows certain crematories that were approved and had an inspection certificate by January 1, 2020, to continue operating without an active air permit while they apply for or renew their air permits, or seek a permit to expand operations. The bill prevents these facilities from having to shut down during the administrative process for permit renewal or expansion. It applies only to crematories meeting the January 1, 2020, approval deadline, ensuring continuity of services for communities relying on these facilities.

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 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.