5 New Connecticut Laws in 2017 That Could Change Your Life

Several Connecticut laws will change as the clock strikes midnight Jan. 1, 2017, including a minimum wage hike and a new modern handicap symbol.

Minimum Wage Increase
Something that will directly affect residents is the increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour from the current $9.60. Some state lawmakers are pushing for the minimum wage to go up to $15 an hour in the coming years.

Related: Minimum Wage Increase Coming Soon in Connecticut: New Proposal Seeks Significant Rise

Breast Cancer Screenings

Starting Jan. 1 certain state health insurance policies will have to cover breast tomosynthesis, a type of three-dimensional mammogram.

Currently baseline mammograms are covered for women ages 35 through 39 and annual mammograms for women 40 or older, according to the summary of the act.

Modern Handicap Symbol

A new access symbol for people with disabilities will be used in all new constructed and substantially renovated buildings.

The new symbol is a more active person leaning forward in a wheelchair as opposed to the old stationary character that sits erect.

Ban the Box

Employers will no longer be legally allowed to ask prospective employees about prior arrests, criminal charges or convictions in an initial employment application unless required to do so under state or federal law or if the employer must obtain a security or fidelity bond.

Another part of the act will establish a task force to study issues of employment opportunities for people with criminal histories.

The movement is commonly called "ban the box," which refers to the check mark box on job applications that asks about prior convictions and arrests.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Medical Marijuana Prescription Changes

APRNs will now be able to prescribe marijuana for medical use for conditions except glaucoma. Previously only physicians were able to prescribe it.

APRNs will also be able to issue “do not resuscitate” orders, certify a disability to cancel a health club contract and certifying a disability or illness for continuing education waivers or extensions for various health professions.

• See also: Drowsy School Bus Driver Arrested; Famous Singer Buys Historic Home; Girl, 1, Beats Cancer: CT News

Image via Shutterstock