Sen. Stephen Harding

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to review reporting requirements for nonprofit human services providers and eliminate those that are overly burdensome or duplicative. The review process, which begins in January 2028, will assess the number of reports, overlapping information, preparation time, and how agencies use the data, with the goal of reducing unnecessary paperwork for organizations providing health and human services. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies pay private providers within 45 days after receiving a completed claim or service, whichever occurs later, to improve cash flow for service providers. These changes apply to nonprofits delivering services for physical disabilities, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and behavioral health.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new crime called digital forgery, which applies to anyone who creates and shares fake images or audio recordings of people with the intent to cause financial harm. The law defines a digitally forged likeness as content that looks or sounds real but was created using computer systems without the person's consent. It makes this a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether the act was part of a larger scheme, but it exempts law enforcement officers acting in their official duties. The bill also protects online platforms from liability unless they knew the content was being created or shared illegally.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to transfer a 0.22-acre parcel of land in Torrington to the city for use in relocating a trail. The state will cover only the administrative costs of the transfer, and the land comes with an existing easement reserved for the state Department of Transportation. The city must use the land for the trail relocation project, and if it fails to do so, retains ownership, or leases the land, the property must be returned to the state. The State Properties Review Board must approve the transfer within 30 days of receiving a proposed agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements and oversight for justices of the peace in Connecticut, affecting those appointed to the position and the Secretary of the State. It mandates that newly appointed justices complete a training manual within 30 days and prohibits them from performing fraudulent marriages or using their title for commercial endorsements. The Secretary of the State gains authority to investigate misconduct and can issue warnings, reprimands, or revoke appointments for negligence, fraud, or unlawful actions. Additionally, the bill creates a process for filling vacancies in municipalities that increase the number of justices, allowing political parties to nominate candidates for these positions.

Maddy summarySB 375 creates a state grant program for municipalities and police departments to develop standardized school mapping data. The bill requires this data to be compatible with emergency services software, include verified floor plans and hazard locations, and be provided free permanently to schools and public safety agencies. Municipalities can apply for grants to create maps meeting specific technical standards, such as true north orientation, printable/digital formats, and integration with emergency response systems. The Department of Emergency Services must establish application criteria by October 2026 and report annually on grant usage starting in 2028. This directly affects schools, local police, and emergency responders by standardizing access to critical campus layout information during emergencies.

Maddy summarySB 391 requires the Commissioner of Correction to arrange breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for women in state custody at licensed healthcare facilities closer to their correctional facility than the University of Connecticut Health Center. The bill specifically allows for on-site mammograms when possible, but if unavailable, permits arranging services at nearer facilities instead of defaulting to UConn Health Center. This applies to all women committed to correctional custody and takes effect July 1, 2026. The law directly expands access to timely breast cancer care by prioritizing proximity to correctional facilities.

Maddy summarySB 277 updates fire marshal qualifications by requiring certification and specific experience in fire safety, prevention, or hazardous materials response for local fire marshals and inspectors. It mandates the State Fire Marshal to publish official interpretations of the Fire Safety Code and requires the Department of Public Health to annually report on burn injuries, fireworks/explosives injuries, and related deaths using existing death certificate and hospital data. The bill also revises building code standards to ensure polling places meet accessibility requirements and sets specific vertical clearance rules for public parking garages.

Maddy summarySB 247 limits state agency payments to employees resigning or retiring, capping amounts over $50,000 unless tied to specific exceptions like disciplinary leave or collective bargaining. It prohibits agreements that restrict employees from reporting misconduct or sharing information under existing whistleblower laws. For state colleges and universities, the bill requires foundations to include elected student and faculty members as nonvoting board members, with student/faculty elections managed by institutional boards. The law directly affects state agencies, public colleges, and employees covered by these payment and foundation rules, effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5323 requires school-based health centers in Connecticut to use evidence-based screening tools for disordered eating behaviors during annual health assessments for students in grades 9-12, starting January 1, 2028. The bill also creates two new groups: a task force to develop recommendations for identifying and treating disordered eating in children, and a Holistic Food Education Working Group to create a state-wide food education roadmap and nutrition curriculum. Both groups include representatives from education, health, advocacy, and school organizations. The screening is optional for students or their parents/guardians, and the task force must report by January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects schools, health centers, and students in grades 9-12 through these new requirements and planning efforts.

Maddy summarySB 367 establishes a working group to study roadside safety for wreckers and towing professionals. The group, including state safety committee leaders, emergency services and transportation commissioners, and a towing industry representative, will evaluate issues like vehicle lighting standards and worker protection methods. It must submit findings and recommendations to the relevant committee by January 1, 2027. This procedural bill does not create new laws but directs a study to inform future safety policies.