July 8, 2014

Bolinsky: New Laws Effective July 1st

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Tuesday marked the first day of the State of Connecticut’s fiscal year and, with this, come new and revised laws that will directly affect you, your business or your community.

An entire list of laws effective July 1 can be found by clicking here but, below is the Readers’ Digest version:
The immediate impact of a tax break House Republicans fought for during the legislative process was the elimination of the 6.35 percent tax on clothing and footwear costing less than $50. The elimination of this tax should encourage consumers, bring business to our municipalities and help spark local economies. I will continue to fight for incentives like these and ensure business stays within our state borders.

An education reform bill, originally passed in 2012 and enacted on July 1, 2014, makes it possible for local school districts to terminate tenured teachers determined to be ineffective during the evaluation process. The previous standard protected ineffective educators, limiting dismissals to very narrow, specific criteria. In effect, this tied the hands of local districts.

A new fee will now be attached to every mattress sold in the state. This controversial measure made Connecticut the first state in the nation to mandate mattress recycling, which some have determined is a problem in larger municipalities. Now, if you buy a mattress, you will have to pay this added tax that funds a state-controlled recycling program.

A new law to prevent or reduce the incidence of concussions suffered in extracurricular activities at school goes into effect and establishes an educational and reporting program for coaches, schoo ls, district, parents and athletes to better prevent head injuries, recognize their occurrence in real-time, remove subjects from the activity and initiate appropriate treatment before further injury occurs.
The state library board can now create and maintain a database to disseminate electronic books (e-books).
Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions regarding these new laws, or anything else.

Have a safe and happy summer. Stay cool!

Sincerely,
Mitch Bolinsky

Newtown State Representatives Honor Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Department

Newtown, CT. – Ahead of their 100th anniversary celebration later this month, State Representatives Martin Foncello (R-107) and Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) joined command and staff members of the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Department for their August monthly meeting. The state representatives presented a citation to leaders of the all-volunteer department marking the anniversary of the department’s […]

August 6, 2025

Bolinsky: 2025 Sales Tax‑Free Week

Connecticut’s 2025 Sales Tax‑Free Week is set for Sunday, August 17 through Saturday, August 23, 2025. During this period, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 per item can be purchased tax‑exempt, saving buyers the state’s usual 6.35% sales tax when the item is paid for during that week, even if delivery happens later. This exemption […]

August 6, 2025