Rep. Mary Mushinsky

Maddy summaryThis bill creates legal immunity for farms offering public agritourism activities (such as corn mazes, farm markets, or hay rides) when participants are injured due to "risks inherent in agritourism," like farm terrain, animal behavior, or normal agricultural equipment. It directly affects agritourism providers (farm owners/operators) and participants who visit these activities. The law grants immunity unless the provider acted negligently, intentionally caused harm, or committed criminal conduct. Exceptions ensure providers remain liable for their own misconduct, not for ordinary farm risks.

Maddy summaryHB 6974 changes how Connecticut allocates funds from its Tobacco Settlement Fund. Starting July 1, 2025, the bill shifts all annual disbursements from this fund to the state's General Fund for the 2025 fiscal year. Beginning July 1, 2026, it allocates $32 million annually to the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund (for tobacco-related health programs) with the remainder going to the General Fund. This replaces the previous funding structure that allocated $12 million to the Trust Fund for fiscal years 2023-2024. The bill directly affects state budget allocations between health programs and general state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 6831 prioritizes state infrastructure grants for municipalities meeting specific transit access criteria. It defines "qualifying transit-oriented communities" as those with bus/rail stations within half-mile zones of designated transit districts or near downtown areas. Eligible municipalities must adopt a resolution and apply for priority access to state grants used exclusively for projects like housing, commercial spaces, or transit improvements within these districts. The bill directly affects local governments seeking state funding for transit-focused development, requiring adherence to zoning standards for denser, mixed-use projects near transit.

Maddy summaryHB 7135 protects patients and healthcare providers in Connecticut who receive or provide reproductive and gender-affirming health care services permitted under Connecticut law. The bill allows individuals to recover damages if sued in another state for such services, even if the patient was not physically in Connecticut during treatment. It also strengthens patient privacy by prohibiting healthcare providers from disclosing records related to these services without written consent, and requires them to notify Connecticut's Attorney General if served with a subpoena for such information. The law applies to all covered healthcare entities and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 6926 allocates $8 million from the General Fund for the Residential Energy Preparation Services program during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The funding supports low-income households by helping them prepare for energy costs through the program administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. This bill directly affects qualifying low-income residents who receive energy assistance via the program. The key provision is a specific financial appropriation to maintain and operate the existing service program.

Maddy summarySB 1438 prohibits performing female genital mutilation (FGM) on anyone under 18 years old, making it a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. It directly affects minors under 18 and healthcare providers who perform non-medical procedures involving cutting or altering the labia or clitoris. The bill includes two key exceptions: medically necessary procedures by licensed physicians, or procedures during childbirth performed by licensed physicians, nurse-midwives, or trainees for birth-related medical purposes. Crucially, it explicitly states that procedures justified solely by cultural or ritual beliefs do not qualify as medical exceptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.

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 7017 requires Connecticut's electric distribution companies and transmission owners to evaluate alternatives before constructing or significantly modifying major grid infrastructure. Specifically, they must propose at least one project using advanced conductors (which reduce resistance and increase capacity) and one using grid-enhancing technologies or nontraditional solutions like energy storage or software controls. The Connecticut Siting Council must prioritize cost-effective alternatives over traditional construction in its decisions. Companies must also annually report future projects and past infrastructure costs to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. This law directly affects electric utilities and aims to promote grid efficiency through technology-driven solutions rather than solely expanding physical infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 1292 requires Connecticut's energy agency to study energy efficiency standards for data centers that power artificial intelligence systems. The study will examine best practices for reducing energy use, renewable energy adoption, participation in grid management programs during peak demand, and restrictions on diesel backup generators. The agency must submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This bill does not impose new requirements on data centers but sets the stage for future policy decisions based on the findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant all Connecticut residents an enforceable right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, a healthy environment, and a stable climate. It requires the state to protect these rights equitably, avoid unreasonable infringement, and actively conserve natural resources like water, air, and wildlife for current and future generations. If passed by three-quarters of both legislative chambers, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval to become part of Connecticut's constitution. The amendment would not create new regulations but would establish a legal foundation for residents to seek court enforcement of environmental protections.