These 10+ CT Laws Can Change Your Life July 1

HARTFORD, CT — The General Assembly and Gov. Ned Lamont approved several life-changing laws this legislative session.

Below are some of the laws that go into effect July 1, 2019. Some of the laws won't fully go into effect until future dates:

AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF BLACK AND LATINO STUDIES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
Public Act No. 19-12 (See Sec. 2, 4)

The law mandates that public schools offer African-American and black and Peurto Rican and Latino studies to their curriculum offerings. The courses must be offered beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.

AN ACT CONCERNING WORKERS' COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS, MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR POLICE OFFICERS AND WELLNESS TRAINING FOR POLICE OFFICERS, PAROLE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS.
Public Act No. 19-17 (See Sec. 1-3, 7-11)

The bill allows police and parole officers along with firefighters to receive worker’s compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder caused by participating in certain “qualifying events,” according to the Office of Legislative Research.

Qualifying events including seeing a dead minor, someone’s death, and traumatic injury that results in the loss of a body part. Benefits are limited to 52 weeks.

A commission will look into the feasibility of allowing EMS and Department of Correction workers to have the same opportunities.

AN ACT STREAMLINING THE LIQUOR CONTROL ACT.
Public Act No. 19-24 (See Sec. 26)

The law is being hailed as one of the biggest changes to Connecticut’s liquor laws in decades. It broadly expands how microbreweries, wineries and distilleries can operate in Connecticut. They will be able to sell more product to individuals, make different types of alcoholic beverages under one roof and sell Connecticut-produced alcoholic beverages to their customers.

AN ACT CONCERNING PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE.
Public Act No. 19-25 (See Sec. 23-26)

The law is being phased in over multiple years. Come July 1 the groundwork will be laid to get the system up and running. Payroll deductions of .5 percent start Oct. 1, 2020 and paid leave would start Jan. 1, 2022. Leave would be capped at 12 weeks per 12-month period and eventually reach a max $900 weekly benefit. The percentage of full pay given under the program would be reduced if the program heads toward insolvency.

AN ACT INCREASING THE PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT FOR CERTAIN FIRST RESPONDERS.
Public Act No. 19-36

The tax abatement for certain first responders will increase from $1,000 to $1,500.

AN ACT INCREASING FAIRNESS AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Public Act No. 19-59 (See Sec. 1-4)

Data will be collected regarding state prosecutor decisions regarding sentencing recommendations, diversionary programs and other decisions.

AN ACT ALLOWING STUDENTS TO APPLY SUNSCREEN PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.
Public Act No. 19-60

Students will be able to self-apply sunscreen prior to outdoor activities in school.

AN ACT CONCERNING MINORITY TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.
Public Act No. 19-74 (See Sec. 2-7)

The law aims to help the state employ at least 250 new minority teachers and administrators per year. It expands teacher certification reciprocity with other states, offers mortgage assistance for teachers and makes other changes.

AN ACT MAKING CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND PRIVATE OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOLS INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC FUNDS AND LICENSURE.
Public Act No. 19-87

Prevents for-profit colleges and occupational schools from getting public funds or licenses if they require students to waive certain rights.

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION OF DELINQUENCY PROCEEDINGS FOR TREATMENT OR OTHER SERVICES IN MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT OR MISUSE CASES AND CONCERNING DETENTION OF JUVENILES.
Public Act No. 19-110 (See Sec. 2)

Juveniles charged with motor vehicle theft offenses can request a six month suspension of hearings if they comply with a program that addresses their behavior.

AN ACT CONCERNING THE SUSPENSION OF DELINQUENCY PROCEEDINGS FOR FIRE STARTING BEHAVIOR TREATMENT.
Public Act No. 19-135

Similar to the motor vehicle proceeding suspension, but for fire-starting behavior.

AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL TIME DEVOTED TO UNDIRECTED PLAY TO THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.
Public Act No. 19-173

School boards can expand recess time to more than the mandatory 20 minutes per day.