Sen. Cathy Osten

Maddy summarySB 109 authorizes the state to issue up to $5 million in bonds to fund the rehabilitation of sewer and water utility infrastructure. The funds will be provided as a grant to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to upgrade lines, pump stations, and related equipment connecting Norwich Public Works through the former Norwich State Hospital property (in Norwich and Preston towns) and extending to the Preston Incinerator site. This project directly affects the towns of Norwich and Preston by improving public utility infrastructure along this specific corridor. The bill focuses on concrete physical upgrades to aging utility systems, with no additional policy changes beyond the funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $2 million in bonds for water infrastructure in Hebron. The funds would be used by the Department of Public Health to install water lines and necessary equipment specifically to support new housing developments in the town. The bill directly affects Hebron residents and developers by providing state funding for essential water system upgrades. It does not change existing laws or create new regulations, but rather allocates existing bond authority for a defined local project.

Maddy summarySB 107 authorizes the state to issue up to $3.5 million in bonds to fund athletic field improvements for Regional School District 8. The funds would be provided as a grant-in-aid through the Department of Education, specifically for upgrading athletic fields within that district. This bill directly affects Regional School District 8 students, athletes, and staff by providing dedicated state funding for facility upgrades. It does not change existing laws but allocates specific resources for infrastructure improvements at no cost to the district.

Maddy summarySB 121 exempts active duty military service members who were not Connecticut residents at the time of their induction from paying fees for vehicle operator's licenses and registration. The bill directly affects these service members by waiving state fees they would otherwise owe when obtaining or renewing these documents. It amends existing law (specifically subsection (c) of section 14-50) to create this exemption for the specified group. The change provides a financial relief measure for military personnel stationed outside Connecticut who maintain ties to their home state.

Maddy summarySB 113 authorizes up to $5 million in state bonds to fund grants for farms that have installed new anaerobic digesters. These grants will help qualifying farms make necessary upgrades to their manure management systems. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will administer the program, using bond proceeds to cover costs for required system changes. The bill directly affects agricultural operations using anaerobic digesters, providing financial support for environmental compliance upgrades.

Maddy summarySB 108 authorizes Connecticut to issue up to $7 million in state bonds to fund repairs and improvements to dams, culverts, bridges, and waterways in Ledyard, specifically targeting Long Pond, Bush Pond, and related waterways. The funds would be managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to address infrastructure maintenance needs. This bill directly affects Ledyard residents and local water systems by providing dedicated state funding for critical infrastructure upgrades. The key mechanism is the bond authorization, with proceeds restricted to these specific physical improvements. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Connecticut to issue up to $125 million in state bonds (for fiscal years 2026-2027) to reduce energy cost protections for low-income households to pre-pandemic levels (2016-2020). It also allocates $50 million in bonds ($30M for 2026, $20M for 2027) to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure and customer wiring upgrades. The funds will support programs administered by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, including residential EV charging for households at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. These provisions aim to lower energy costs for vulnerable residents and expand clean energy access through specific infrastructure investments.

Maddy summarySB 10 requires health insurance companies (health carriers) to annually certify by March 1 that their policies comply with state and federal mental health and substance use disorder benefit parity laws. If noncompliant, they must detail specific policy gaps and correction plans in their certification. The Insurance Commissioner can impose fines of up to $625,000 annually for failures to file certifications or meet reporting requirements, with penalties paid into the state General Fund. Reports on compliance are shared with legislative committees and health officials, but company identities remain confidential.

Maddy summarySB 1, now Public Act 25-93 after being signed by the governor on June 23, 2025, increases state funding and resources for public schools, students, and special education programs. It directly affects school districts, educators, and students requiring specialized support by providing additional financial resources. The bill's key mechanism is allocating new state funds to expand support services, including hiring specialized staff and improving learning materials for students with disabilities. This legislation became law after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summarySB 3 requires businesses to clearly disclose all fees, charges, or costs upfront when advertising goods or services, preventing hidden costs that consumers must pay (e.g., shipping fees or mandatory gratuities must be stated before purchase). It also mandates that manufacturers of connected devices (like smart home appliances with cameras/microphones) provide specific, clear disclosures to the first user before setup, including details about recording capabilities and how to disable them. The bill directly affects Connecticut-based businesses selling goods/services and manufacturers of connected devices sold in the state, with exemptions for taxes, mandatory gratuities, and fees dependent on user choices (e.g., location-based shipping). Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under existing consumer protection law.