Upcoming Office Hours and New Laws for 2018
I want to let you know that State Representative Jesse MacLachlan and I will be hosting a legislative update on Tuesday, January 9th to discuss the upcoming session, which begins February 7th, and the current state of the budget. We encourage you to join us at the Westbrook Public Library from 6 -7 p.m. and bring any questions or concerns you may have.
Also, I will be hosting pre-session office hours in Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Lyme from January 11-18. I’d like to hear your concerns about state or local issues, as well as what you think our legislative priorities should be for the upcoming 2018 Session. Check the flyer below for specific dates, times, and locations.
These events are free and open to the public.
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Please note that this is provided as information, and inclusion in this message does not indicate my support or opposition to an individual measure.
As 2017 comes to an end, we prepare for a number of new laws to take effect starting January 1, 2018. These new laws may have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I therefore encourage you to take a look at the full list of laws that can be found by clicking here. I have listed some of the more noteworthy legislation below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or clarifications regarding the implementation of these laws.
AN ACT PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION OPIOID DIVERSION AND ABUSE – Public Act No. 17-131 – requires prescriptions be transcribed electronically to safeguard against over prescribing, reduce the maximum number of days for a prescription from seven to five for minors and allow patients to request drugs other than opioids be prescribed.
AN ACT CONCERNING WITHHOLDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INCOME FOR CHILD SUPPORT – Public Act No. 17-27 – requires an employer promptly notify the dependent (i.e., spouse, former spouse, or child owed the support) or judicial branch’s Support Enforcement Services, as directed if an employee whose income is withheld to enforce a child support order makes a workers’ compensation claim.
AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN FOR A CERTAIN HONOR AND CERTAIN BENEFIT – Public Act No. 17-83 – broadens the eligibility criteria for certain veterans’ benefits, allows additional people to receive a service ribbon and medal, be buried in a Connecticut veterans’ cemetery, or have veteran status indicated on their driver’s license or identity card.
AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION FOR INSUREDS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER – Public Act No.17-55 – this expands the range of people eligible for infertility coverage under certain individual and group health insurance policies to include individuals who require infertility treatment due to illnesses such as cancer.
Please pass this information along to those who may benefit from knowing what to expect in the new year in the State of Connecticut.
New legislation typically goes into effect on January 1st, July 1st, or October 1st in a calendar year, although a few laws go into effect immediately upon passage.
I wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2018. If you would like to speak with me about a concern regarding state government, please email me at Devin.Carney@housegop.ct.gov or call 800-842-1423.
Sincerely,
