Sen. Bob Duff

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 36) confirms Governor's nomination of Donald E. Williams, Jr. of Brooklyn to serve on the Board of Regents for Higher Education, replacing Joann M. Ryan. The resolution approves his appointment to a term ending June 30, 2030, or until a successor is appointed. As a procedural confirmation resolution, it does not change policy but formally approves a gubernatorial nomination for a state higher education governance position.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms the reappointment of Alex Harris of Ridgefield to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities for a term ending July 13, 2028. It directly affects Harris, who will continue serving on the Commission, and the Commission itself, which gains a member for the specified term. The resolution is a procedural action approving a nomination by the Senate President Pro Tempore, with no new policy provisions or changes to existing laws.

Maddy summarySB 7 updates Connecticut's base funding level for public schools (called "Foundation") to increase annually from $11,525 (2014-2026) to $15,500 (2031+) with inflation adjustments. It also revises the "Regional bonus" calculation for towns sending students to regional schools or paying high school tuition. The bill's primary mechanism creates a 13-member working group (including school officials, teachers, students, and community representatives) to study the state's equalization aid formula and recommend improvements for equity and fiscal soundness. This group will examine how state education funding is distributed, aiming to address disparities between school districts. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, with the working group established immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 257 limits landlords' reasons for evicting certain tenants, including those aged 62+ with a household member over 62, tenants with qualifying disabilities (or household members with such disabilities), or tenants who have lived in the unit for 12+ months. Landlords may only evict for specific reasons like nonpayment of rent, serious health/safety violations, or material lease breaches - not for the landlord (or family member) moving in, unless strict conditions are met (e.g., 90 days' notice and no available units). Rent increases for these protected tenants must be "fair and equitable" and can be challenged through local commissions or court. The law applies to buildings with five+ units or mobile home parks and takes effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution confirms the governor's nomination of Dr. Ryan G. Flanagan to serve as a member of the Psychiatric Security Review Board. The board oversees psychiatric care for individuals involved in the criminal justice system, and Dr. Flanagan brings experience in that field to the role. He will serve until June 30, 2029, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever happens first. This action is a procedural confirmation that allows Dr. Flanagan to officially join the board and begin his duties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Joseph D. Marino from Westbrook to serve on the Psychiatric Security Review Board as a general public member. The appointment replaces Wakana Hirota and is set to last until June 30, 2029, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever occurs later. This procedural measure formally approves Marino's selection to join the board that reviews cases involving patients in psychiatric facilities.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Wakana Hirota to serve as a member of the Psychiatric Security Review Board. Hirota, a resident of Berlin with substantial experience in victim advocacy, will join the board as a member of the general public to replace Ranesha L. Nichols. The confirmation grants Hirota a term ending June 30, 2028, or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever occurs later. This procedural measure formalizes Hirota's appointment to the board that reviews cases involving psychiatric patients in state custody.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Joshua Hershman from Guilford to serve as Insurance Commissioner. The measure approves his appointment, which will last at the Governor's discretion but cannot extend beyond March 1, 2027. This procedural action directly affects the state's insurance regulatory leadership by formalizing Hershman's role in overseeing the insurance industry. The resolution is a standard confirmation step required before the nominee can officially assume the position.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution confirms the Governor's nomination of Joshua Wojcik of Brooklyn to serve as Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. The resolution approves Wojcik's appointment for a term that ends on March 1, 2027, or sooner if the Governor decides to end it. This action formalizes his role in the executive branch without changing any existing laws or policies. The measure is a procedural step required to officially recognize the appointment rather than a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill confirms the Governor's nomination of Patricia M. Feeney of Plainfield to join the Technical Education and Career System Board. The resolution approves her appointment as a board member with experience in manufacturing or trades related to the system, succeeding Christine Benz. Feeney will serve at the Governor's pleasure for a term matching the Governor's term or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever is longer. This action formalizes her appointment to the board without changing any existing laws or policies.