10 New Connecticut Laws That May Change Your Life Starting Now

As of Friday, July 1, 2016 a number of new laws will be taking effect in Connecticut.

Colleges and Universities will begin adhering to new sexual assault policies, initial prescriptions for opioid painkillers will be capped at seven days, and students will begin taking CPR and social media training before the start of the school year. And yes you'll be paying more for cigarettes again.

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Here are the new laws that take effect this week, with a brief summary of what it means for residents, as well as information on the state budget:

Paying More for Cigarettes Again

The cigarette tax will rise another $0.25 cents to $3.90 a pack, which is the second highest tax in the nation, CBS Local reports.

Cracking Down on School Employees Who Resign After Committing Sexual Abuse

School districts will be increasing their investigative efforts when hiring new educators. This will ensure that employees who resign after committing sexual abuse cannot simply get a job in another school district. A district’s board of education will also be required to share disciplinary information with other districts and the state.

Limiting Opioid Prescriptions

On July 1, 2016 doctors will be limited to prescribing an initial prescription for opioids for 7-days, which officials hope will prevent leftover pills from being abused by others, the Hartford Courant reports. The state and nation is in the midst of an overdose epidemic as the numbers are increasing at an alarming pace.
Also by Oct. 1, 2016 all first responders must carry Narcan in all Connecticut communities. Additionally, the state’s electronic prescription drug monitoring program will allow licensed health care professionals administer naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug, without legal ramification.

Sexual Assault Policies at Colleges

An “affirmative consent” standard will take effect for colleges and universities to adhere to. Legislators define the term as “an active, clear and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity with another person.” It will also require awareness programming on campuses to inform the community about the new standards.

New State Budget Takes Effect With a Lot Less State Workers

The state was looking at a nearly $1 billion budget deficit to begin the new fiscal year, but last month voted to approve reductions, which largely includes the elimination of between 2,000 and 2,500 at the state level. Hundreds of employees retired before July 1, but hundreds of workers were also laid off between the middle of May and June.

Community College Police

Police officers for community colleges will be granted the same “duties, responsibilities and authority” as municipal police officers. This will also grant officers the ability to carry firearms to further the safety of community college campuses. Officers at state colleges and universities already carry firearms.

Social Media and CPR Training

Health and safety curriculums will force students to undergo training in safe usage of social media, as well as CPR. School board will be allowed to accept grants and other such means for funding the courses. The legislation also states that public school students will receive instruction in computer programming.

Entrepreneurs Learner’s Permit

Anyone starting a business in the technology, biotechnology or green technology field can get fees for licensing, filing or permitting waived. This legislation will establish the Entrepreneur Learner’s Permit program, as well as let Connecticut Innovations Inc. reimburse up to $500,000 per year.

Sinking Concrete Foundation Inspections

The State Department of Consumer Protection will be investigating ongoing concrete foundation failures, as well as allowing homeowners affected by them to have their municipality reevaluate their properties.

Court Filing Fee Increases

A number of court filing fees will increase in the range of $5 and $20. The money from the fee increases will go towards an account that will fund legal services for the poor.

Student Loan Bill of Rights

Legislation will be taking effect that is dubbed the “Student Loan Bill of Rights,” which will help regulate matters pertaining to student loan lenders as the name suggests. New licensing requirements will be put in place for the lenders of these loans. Any lender that has allegations of wrongdoing brought against them will also be subject to an investigation or even revokement of their license from the state banking commissioner.

For more information and more new laws and regulations taking effect this month, visit the Connecticut General Assembly website.