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

An expanded list, 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 States Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans with this status will have to file the associated paperwork at their town hall.

BAN ON DOG RACING

Dog racing and betting on dog racing becomes illegal in Connecticut Oct. 1. Efforts to ban dog racing have been underway for several years in Connecticut, and the state now joins most other states in the union in banning the practice.

BAN ON FISH AS PRIZES

I am pleased the House passed this as part of an omnibus bill. My daughter, Lauren, came to the state Capitol last year to testify on this proposal. She was passionate about the General Assembly taking action after witnessing bad things happening to these animals. Current statute states that no person can use an animal, reptile, or bird as a prize at a carnival or fair. Reptile and bird are singled out, despite the number one prize being fish.

Other major acts include: