Several new laws will take effect July 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I have highlighted some of them below.

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FALLEN HERO FUND

I co-sponsored this bill so that the surviving family of a firefighter killed in the line of duty shall be paid a death benefit from the Fallen Officer Fund. Since we’re expanding eligibility from law enforcement members, it will also be renamed the Fallen Hero Fund. This new law will also provide health insurance coverage to the survivors of a firefighter killed in the line of duty.

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BIPARTISAN DRUG TASK FORCE

I voted for this bill, which as of today still needs Governor Lamont’s signature to become official, and is aimed at reducing drug prices. The bill includes a feasibility study about importing prescription drugs from Canada, and states that the insurance commissioner must require health carriers to annually report on pricing offered to, and profit generated between, the carrier and any pharmacy benefits managers (PBM) or mail-order pharmacy doing business in Connecticut.

AN ACT CONCERNING THE ILLEGAL USE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES AND STREET TAKEOVERS

Municipalities with more than 20,000 residents will be empowered to adopt an ordinance allowing for the destruction of vehicles seized during so-called street takeovers (large groups of vehicles blocking roads or intersections) after holding them for 30 days. There are some restrictions, including that a reasonable effort be made to contact the owner. If the owner did not know the vehicle was used for such an event, that person has the right to collect the vehicle within 90 days.

This bill makes minor and technical changes in a statute related to veteran’s affairs, including the appointment of a manager to administer an Office of Advocacy and Assistance. The office shall include 8 to 14 veterans’ service officers, who are veterans. As of this writing, the bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Other portions of the law take effect later this year and next year. Among other provisions, it will boost recruitment efforts for the National Guard, expand business opportunities for disabled veteran-owned enterprises, and expand the higher education tuition waiver program to cover certain extension fees for eligible National Guard members and veterans with wartime service.

Other major acts include:

  1. An Act Concerning Bleeding Control Training and Kits
  2. An Act Reforming the Motor vehicle Towing Statutes
  3. An Act Implementing Recommendations of the DMV

An expanded list of those that will take effect on July 1, along with summaries, can be accessed here.