Maddy summarySB 11 establishes a price cap for certain prescription drugs in Connecticut, directly affecting pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesale distributors. It sets a "reference price" for "identified prescription drugs" (brand-name drugs with expired patents over 24 months or generic drugs) based on historical costs, adjusted annually for inflation using the Consumer Price Index. Manufacturers and distributors cannot sell these drugs above the reference price after January 1, 2026, unless a federal shortage exists. Violations trigger a civil penalty calculated as 80% of excess revenue, but only if annual sales exceed $250,000 in the state. The law aims to make prescription drugs more affordable by limiting price increases beyond inflation for covered medications.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5012 prohibits the possession, sale, or distribution of shark fins in the state, effective October 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses selling shark fin products and consumers purchasing them, while exempting licensed fishermen who separate fins from lawfully landed sharks during food preparation (requiring immediate destruction of fins unless used for personal consumption or taxidermy). The bill also allows permits for scientific or educational use of shark fins through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. This law excludes rays and smooth-hound sharks from its definition of "shark," aligning with existing regulations.
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 summarySB 1218 creates a state-funded program providing free swimming lessons to children under 17 who qualify for SNAP or WIC programs in designated census areas. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will administer the summer program, potentially partnering with nonprofit organizations to deliver lessons. Funding will come from state appropriations, grants, or private donations, with no cost to eligible participants. The program takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 1220 adds state marshals to the list of state employees eligible for state-provided health insurance benefits under existing law. This means active state marshals will now receive the same group health coverage as police officers, firefighters, and other public safety workers who perform law enforcement duties. The bill specifies that the state will cover 70% of the premium cost for active employees (including marshals), with the remainder deducted from paychecks. The change takes effect October 1, 2025, and does not alter the existing benefit structure or eligibility criteria for other covered groups.
Maddy summaryHB 6413 requires the state to add uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (with minimum $1 million limits for bodily injury or death) to the State Fleet Insurance Policy by July 1, 2026. This directly affects Department of Transportation (DOT) employees who drive for work and are outside their vehicles during employment. The coverage protects these employees if they are injured or killed by drivers without insurance or insufficient coverage while performing job duties outside their vehicles.
Maddy summaryHB 6273 creates the Farmers' Crop Loss Reimbursement Grant Program within Connecticut's Department of Agriculture. It provides financial reimbursement to farmers who suffer crop losses due to significant acute weather events (like severe storms or floods). The program is funded through $10 million in state bonds, with the Department of Agriculture establishing eligibility rules, application processes, and reimbursement limits. Farmers must apply within 60 days of submitting requests, and the program takes effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 6408 expands workers' compensation for dependents when an employee dies in an accident. It changes how payments are divided when there are no "presumptive dependents" (like spouses or children), instead focusing on people who were financially dependent on the deceased. The bill ensures wholly dependent individuals (e.g., a dependent child) receive full compensation, while partially dependent people (e.g., a relative who relied on some support) get at least $20 weekly but no more than what they previously received. Next of kin (like siblings or parents) will now share payments based on their level of dependence, not equally as before. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 5422 reestablishes a permanent Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to examine state agency programs and conduct investigations. The committee, composed of 12 members (6 from each chamber appointed by leadership), will review the effectiveness of state programs, investigate matters referred by the legislature or committee, and request information from state departments and agencies. It must issue annual reports to the legislature and can recommend policy changes based on its findings. This bill directly affects state departments (which must provide requested information) and the legislature (which receives committee recommendations for potential legislation). The committee’s work aims to improve government efficiency and accountability through structured program reviews and investigations.
Maddy summaryHB 6229 bans polystyrene foodware (like foam containers) and most single-use plastic items (including straws, stirrers, and food accessories) for food vendors, government agencies, schools, and businesses starting July 1, 2027. Exceptions include biodegradable straws provided upon request (especially for people with disabilities) and specific packaging uses like pre-sealed food or meat storage. The bill also requires state/municipal buildings and schools to install reusable water bottle filling stations when replacing drinking fountains, effective January 2027. A task force will study sustainable alternatives and report by February 2026, but the law itself focuses on direct restrictions and infrastructure changes.