Sen. Ryan Fazio

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 1465 allows the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to permit certain skilled trade licensees (like plumbers or electricians) to adjust their hiring ratios for local workers. The key provision gives the Commissioner authority to approve deviations from existing hiring requirements for these businesses. This directly affects licensed skilled trade companies operating in the state who face challenges meeting specific local hiring targets. The bill became law as Public Act 25-47 after the governor signed it on June 10, 2025. It changes how hiring ratio rules apply to these licensees without creating new statewide requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 6835 would adopt the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact (PALC), allowing physician assistants licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses. This bill directly affects physician assistants seeking to work across state lines and patients in states that join the compact. The key provision requires the state to formally join the PALC, establishing standardized licensing requirements to streamline practice authorization. By adopting the compact, the bill aims to reduce licensing barriers for PAs and expand access to care in participating states.

Maddy summarySB 1346 requires all local and regional school boards to post their approved curriculum online by July 1, 2025. This replaces existing physical access requirements under federal law (PPRA) by mandating that all approved curriculum and associated materials be available on district websites. The bill does not create new curriculum but makes existing materials more accessible to parents and guardians. School districts can meet this requirement using current resources, as the bill has no fiscal impact.

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 7141 amends Connecticut's workers' compensation law to change how compensation is calculated for injured workers and parents of deceased employees. It replaces the previous calculation method with a formula setting compensation at 75% of an injured worker's average weekly earnings (after tax deductions), capped at the state's manufacturing wage rate, or $50 weekly minimum. The bill specifies exact weeks of compensation for various injuries (like loss of limbs, organs, or senses) through a detailed table, including new provisions effective July 1, 2025. This directly affects workers injured on the job and families of workers who died from work-related causes in Connecticut. The change streamlines compensation by standardizing the calculation method while maintaining specific injury-based payout schedules.

Maddy summarySB 1557 establishes a new Investment Board to oversee Connecticut's state pension funds, replacing previous oversight structures. The bill creates an Investment Advisory Council with five public members (appointed by state leaders), three teachers' union representatives, and two state employees' union representatives. Key provisions include granting the Board authority to appoint investment officers, hire independent investment counsel for portfolio reviews, and cover costs through pension fund income. This directly affects Connecticut's retirement systems and the Treasurer's office, shifting management oversight to the new Board structure effective July 1, 2027. The bill focuses on governance changes, not pension benefits or investment strategies.

Maddy summaryHB 6786 (AN ACT CONCERNING THE HIRING RATIO FOR SKILLED TRADES) allows licensed contractors in electrical, plumbing, heating, piping, sprinkler fitter, or sheet metal work to temporarily hire more apprentices than standard ratios require if they meet specific criteria. Directly affecting these contractors, the bill creates a formal application process where businesses must prove they’re in good standing, have no recent wage violations, maintain a 40% apprentice completion rate for licensure, and agree to track apprentice work hours. If approved, the hiring relief applies to specific apprentices for up to six years, even if the business later fails to meet the criteria. The Labor Department must review applications within 10 business days and submit annual reports to the legislature on the program’s impact. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 647 establishes a systems benefits charge to fund energy affordability programs, directly affecting all electricity customers in Connecticut. The bill requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to set this annual charge (effective July 1, 2025), with funds directed to specific programs like Operation Fuel for energy assistance, hardship protection measures, low-income conservation initiatives, and energy efficiency programs. It replaces an older funding mechanism and specifies exact allocations, including $2.1 million annually for energy assistance (with $200,000 for administrative costs). The bill does not change electricity rates but redirects existing funding to support vulnerable households and energy programs.

Maddy summarySB 312 establishes a working group to study transitioning municipal funding from matching grants to per capita block grants. The group will develop recommendations considering factors like labor costs and poverty levels when determining funding allocations. This bill directly affects all municipalities receiving state funding by proposing a structural change to how they are financed. The working group's recommendations, not the bill itself, would drive any future policy changes. (Procedural bill; 3 sentences)