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

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

A summary of some new laws include:

VETERAN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION

The House unanimously passed a bill to establish a property tax exemption for veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating as determined by the United…

House and Senate Republicans are petitioning for a special legislative session to tackle perpetually high electric rates in Connecticut. 

The petition, which will be submitted to Connecticut’s Secretary of the State, states that the lawmakers deem it “necessary for the General Assembly to meet in special session” for the purpose of passing several policies which aim to provide ratepayers with long-term relief.

“As we get closer to the next electric bill hitting our mailboxes, and still not being…

Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Free Week begins on the third Sunday of August and runs until the following Saturday. This year it’s 8/18-8/24! This is timed in the run up to the start of the new school year when families are shopping for back-to-school clothing.

This applies to in-person purchases and purchases made online. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing under $100 regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer on the same invoice. Tax is calculated on the final…

The Push for EVs Continues at the Expense of the Taxpayer with Another Rate Hike Likely

Here we go again. Backers of banning the sale of new gas-powered vehicles are getting a leg up in their efforts from the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The agency has cleared the way for Eversource and UI to recoup the cost of building out electric vehicle charging infrastructure on the backs of all customers.

When you opened your July electric bill, you couldn’t help but notice the…

HARTFORD, CT — State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-New Fairfield) joined his Republicans colleagues in Hartford on Thursday in offering solutions to tackle perpetually high electric rates in Connecticut. They called for a special legislative session and said it’s time for Governor Lamont to take a more active role in bringing together lawmakers, utility companies, and government regulators to develop a reasonable state strategy on energy.

“Our neighbors need help now. We’ve outlined a plan for…

The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) released its 2024 voter record scores for the Connecticut State House and Senate. Its scores were based on action taken on several priority pieces of legislation that had been flagged by the organization because of their expected impact on Connecticut’s economic growth and business climate.

Connecticut’s largest business organization recognized State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108) with a perfect voting record.

“Some of the biggest employers…

New Fairfield, Conn. – – Summer travel along Route 39 in New Fairfield in the area of Squantz Pond is easier so far in 2024 thanks in part to a new state law, introduced by Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108). The Environment Committee Ranking Member has been advocating for legislation to improve public safety around the state park for years. In 2023, a bill was signed into law prohibiting walk-ins at the park after the parking capacity is reached.

“I am happy to report that the legislation I…

HARTFORD—State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108), Senator Stephen Harding (R-30) and New Fairfield First Selectman Melissa Lindsey on Friday applauded an anticipated $1.1 million allocation by the State Bond Commission next week for renovations to the Squantz Cove/Candlewood Lake Boat Launch in New Fairfield.

“I’m appreciative of the decision from Governor Lamont and commission members to invest in this project, and to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for making this a…

New Milford—During an assembly at Sarah Noble Intermediate School, State Representatives Bill Buckbee (R-67), Patrick Callahan (R-108) and Cindy Harrison (R-69) talked with students about how a bill becomes a law. The three legislators presented a slideshow about the legislative process and then took questions.

The lawmakers used a relatable example to engage the kids in the discussion of how a bill becomes a law by proposing free ice cream for all Connecticut students. They asked some students to…