New Laws Effective July 1

Last Tuesday, July 1st, marked the first day of the fiscal year, and with it, additional 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.
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, passed in 2012, makes it possible for tenured teachers, determined to be ineffective during the evaluation process, to be dismissed or terminated. The previous standard said teachers could only be terminated for specific reasons.
A new fee will 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.
New standards are applied to parents, coaches and school districts in preparing and reporting concussions. The new law aims to keep our children safe while being able to participate in extracurricular activities at school.
The state library board can now create and maintain a database to disseminate electronic books (e-books).
Please feel free to contact me on this or any legislative issue at 800-842-1423 or email john.piscopo@cga.ct.gov.