10+ CT Laws That Can Change Your Life Jan. 1

HARTFORD, CT — More than 30 new laws will go into effect in Connecticut as the clock strikes midnight and the new year arrives. Legislators had to contend with one of the most challenging budget sessions in recent memory, but that didn’t stop them from getting other work done.

More laws went into effect on Oct. 1, but there are still a number of potentially life-changing laws, especially for people in specific situations. Those who are battling advanced cancer can’t be forced by insurers to try step therapy first in order to limit costs.

Regulations on Uber and Lyft will finally arrive after many other states have already regulated so called transportation network companies. Drivers will have to have a certain level of insurance and criminal background checks will be mandatory.

The minimum coverage amounts for auto insurance will also increase in the New Year, which could increase costs for those who opt for the lowest amount of coverage.

Below are some highlights of new laws that are set to go into effect.

Regulation of Uber and Lyft

A new law will require transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to register with the Department of Transportation, perform background checks on drivers and establish insurance requirements for drivers.
The act also allows taxi companies to use apps to calculate rates.

Step Therapy Changes For Stage IV Metastatic Cancer

Come Jan. 1 insurers won’t be allowed to require step therapy for Stage IV metastatic cancer patients. Step therapy involves trying less expensive drugs first.

AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION FOR INSUREDS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER
This law increases the number of people who can be covered by health insurance for fertility treatment by removing the limiting factor that people must be “presumably healthy” for fertility treatment.

Changes to Liquor Control Commission and automated ticket purchasing software

The Liquor Control Commission becomes the final authority to make decisions that are adverse to a permit holder.

This new law also prohibits anyone from using automated ticket purchasing software to purchase tickets on the Internet.

Sale of Entertainment Tickets On Secondary Market
The new law generally prohibits the sale of non transferable tickets. It applies to tickets for sporting events, concerts, theatrical performances but not movies, concert venues with less than 3,000-person capacity and tickets sold to students at a public higher education institution.

Hartford Whaler License Plates, Other DMV Changes
Commemorative Hartford Whaler license plates will be offered through the DMV. The law also stops driver learner permits from expiring when a person turns 18. The permit now only expires two years after it was issued or on the day the holder receives a driver’s license.

Increase For Minimum Amount of Auto Insurance
The new law increase the minimum liability coverage to $25,000 per person in a crash, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Previously the minimum amounts were $20,000, $50,000 and $10,000 respectively.

Opioid Law Changes

Prescription drug monitoring program data can be shared with state agencies for drug abuse studies.

Generally requires controlled substance prescriptions to be sent electronically.

Requires practitioners to discuss risks associated with opioid drug abuse when prescribing to any patient.

Creation of CT Retirement Security Program

This law creates the Connecticut Retirement Security Authority which will provide a Roth IRA plan for many in Connecticut.

Qualified private sector employers with at least five employees that don’t already offer a retirement program must enroll them in the state’s program. Employees can opt-out if they choose, otherwise they will have between three and six percent of earnings deducted to the IRA.

Changes To Juvenile Isolation Confinement

A new law prohibits those under the age of 18-years-old from being placed in administrative segregation status in the state’s prison system. The law doesn’t apply for certain special circumstances, such as a high security inmate who was convicted of a capital felony or murder with special circumstances.

Here is a full list of laws that go into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

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