October 1, 2021

State Rep. Kathy Kennedy: New October 1st Laws

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There are numerous new state laws and regulations that will take effect in Connecticut starting today, October 1. Below is a selection of some of those laws followed by a link to a full list:

Pedestrian Safety

PA 21-28 clarifies the rules for pedestrians in crosswalks

Starting October 1st, drivers must slow down or stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or indicated that they are going to cross.

Seat Belt Law

PA 21-175 increases seat belt law to include all passengers.

Starting October 1st, all passengers, including those in the back seats will be required to wear a seat belt.

Addressing Gender Discrimination

PA 21-30 – Requires employers to offer equal pay for “comparable” work regardless of gender.

Also requires employers to offer prospective applicants and employees with a scale of pay among those with similar tasks.

‘Bottle Bill’ Expansion

PA 21-58 – Starting October 1st, certain retailers will be required to have at least two reverse vending machines on their premises.

It also increases the handling fee paid by the distributors to redemption centers from 2.5 cents per beverage container to 3.5 cents.

Breastfeeding in The Workplace

PA 21-27 – Requires employers to provide a private room or location with an electrical outlet for women to express milk. Employers must also provide a refrigerated space to store the breastmilk.

The law also protects breastfeeding employees from workplace discrimination.

Marijuana and Smoking Restrictions

On October 1, a portion of PA 21-1 takes effect.

Smoking of any kind (tobacco, vaping, marijuana) will be prohibited within 25 feet of any door, window, or vent intake of buildings open to the public.

Medical marijuana patients 18 years of age or older can start growing mature and immature plants at home.·

Click here https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp for the complete list of laws effective on October 1st

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