Sen. James Maroney

Maddy summarySB 5 establishes the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship program to provide need-based and merit-based financial aid for Connecticut residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor's degree at public or independent colleges in the state. The program allocates funds across three grant types: a need/merit grant (20-30% of funds or $10 million, whichever is greater), a need-based grant (up to 80% of funds), and a minimum $100,000 Charter Oak grant. Eligibility is determined using the student aid index (replacing family contribution calculations) and academic achievement, with awards distributed via a sliding scale based on financial need and available funding. Recipients of the need/merit grant cannot also receive a need-based grant, ensuring distinct funding pathways for students with varying financial and academic profiles.

Maddy summarySB 2 regulates artificial intelligence systems used in major life decisions like hiring, loans, housing, and healthcare access. It defines "high-risk AI" as systems making "consequential decisions" (such as employment, credit, or housing) and requires developers and deployers to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The law specifically excludes video games, internal business tools, research activities, and non-discriminatory pattern analysis from regulation. It applies to companies operating within the state using such AI systems for covered decisions.

Maddy summarySB 6 requires Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood to lead administration of federal child care food programs, encouraging child care centers, group homes, and family homes to participate through annual outreach and data sharing. It also creates a new child nutrition outreach program under the Department of Education to boost participation in school breakfast, summer food, and child care food programs, including innovative methods like classroom breakfasts. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on "disconnected youth" (youth not in school or work) using shared data from early childhood, health, and education agencies. These provisions directly affect child care providers, schools, and youth service agencies by expanding access to nutrition support and improving data-driven policy decisions.

Maddy summarySB 611 sets maximum fees for occupational licenses, certifications, permits, and registrations in Connecticut. It directly affects professionals including certified public accountants (reducing initial fees from $150 to $100), architects, engineers, and surveyors. Key provisions include lowering initial license fees (e.g., professional engineers from $220 to $100) and annual renewal fees (e.g., class B fees from $150 to $100), effective July 1, 2025. The bill standardizes these fee structures under the Department of Consumer Protection without altering licensing requirements.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 6846 prohibits distributing AI-generated or manipulated media (like fake images, audio, or video) during the 90 days before an election if it misleads people into believing it shows a real person speaking or acting. This applies to campaigns, social media, and others distributing such content without the person’s consent and with intent to harm a candidate or sway the election. The law allows exceptions if clear disclaimers (e.g., "This image was manipulated") and source citations for edited content are included in visible text or spoken audio. News organizations can share such media as part of genuine news coverage with required disclaimers. The bill directly affects election-related content creators and distributors during critical election periods.

Maddy summarySB 774 requires car dealers in Connecticut to include all fees (federal tax, delivery, preparation, and dealer conveyance/processing fees) in advertised vehicle prices. Dealers must clearly state in bold type that state/local taxes and registration fees are excluded, and separately list the exact amount of any dealer conveyance fee. This applies to all new and used car sales, affecting both dealers (who must comply with pricing transparency rules) and consumers (who see clearer, all-in pricing). The bill also mandates specific details on sales documents, including deposit terms and guarantee statements, in ten-point bold type. It takes effect October 1, 2025, with minimal expected state revenue impact.

Maddy summarySB 763 (2025) allows municipalities to create local committees that oversee and regulate rents, fees, and charges in mobile home parks. This bill directly affects mobile home park residents and operators by giving cities or towns the authority to establish oversight mechanisms. The key provision amends state law to permit local governments to set rules for park fees and rent increases, rather than establishing specific limits. It does not set new rent caps but enables municipalities to develop their own regulatory frameworks. The bill is procedural, focusing on enabling local oversight rather than implementing specific rates or fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that local municipalities have the right to participate in decisions about authorized uses in areas managed by harbor commissions. It amends the Harbor Management Act to specifically state this participation right, ensuring municipalities can be involved in harbor-related planning and approvals. The change directly affects all cities and towns with harbor management commissions across the state. The bill does not create new policies but updates existing law to remove ambiguity about municipal involvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Office of Higher Education to refund tuition paid by former students of Stone Academy's practical nurse education program who enrolled between November 1, 2021, and February 28, 2023, but did not graduate. Refunds will come from the private career school student protection account and will not exceed the amount of tuition paid by each eligible student. The bill directly affects former students of this specific program during the stated period. It provides a mechanism for tuition reimbursement without altering existing educational requirements or creating new obligations.