10+ New Laws That Can Change Your Life In CT Starting Now

HARTFORD, CT — More than 80 new laws or changes to laws went into effect July 1 in Connecticut. Some laws will have big impacts to some people while others like exempting diapers and tampons from the state sales tax will provide smaller benefits to a greater number of people.

Some laws were passed after related scandals such as the alleged mass abuse of a patient at the Whiting Forensic Hospital and the birth of a baby in a prison cell.

Below are some highlights of potentially life-changing laws. See the full list here.

Feminine Hygiene Products and Diapers Exempt From Sales Tax

Items including tampons, pads and diapers will no longer be subject to the sales tax.

Holocaust and Genocide Education

The study of the Holocaust and genocide will now be included as part of social studies curriculum in public schools.

Good Samaritan Child Abuse/Neglect

The law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for anyone who acts in good faith to medically assist a child who is being abused or neglected. Some examples are taking a photograph or xray, causing the child to be taken into emergency protective custody and disclosing a medical record.

Behavior Analysts

Behavior analysts are now mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect.

School Bus Driver Training For Food Allergies

School bus drivers will be required to learn how to help a child suffering from a serious food allergy including how to inject an EpiPen. School bus drivers will have immunity from lawsuits for administering drugs during an allergic reaction.

Whiting Forensic Hospital and CT Valley Hospital

An eight-member task force was established to review all Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service facilities. IT also requires mandatory reporting of suspected patient abuse at DHMAS-operated facilities.

The law came about after a scandal at the Whiting Forensic Hospital involving mass alleged abuse of a patient.

Pregnant Prisoners

In general pregnant prisoner restraint will be limited. The law also establishes the right to receive specialized counseling and written material regarding pre and post-natal care.

The law was created after a baby was born in a prison cell.

Rape Kit Tracking

An electronic rape kit tracking system will be established. It will also pave the way for policies to ensure sexual assault victims whether DNA evidence was entered into a national DNA bank and to know if it matches anyone in the data bank.

Telehealth Prescriptions

A telehealth provider can now prescribe schedule II and III controlled substances other than opioid drugs.

Zoning of Bright Advertising Signs
Local zoning commissions will be able to regulate the brightness and illumination of billboards and signs.

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