New Laws – Jan. 1st 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’d like to wish you and your families a happy, healthy and rewarding New Year! I thought you might like to be aware of some new laws going into effect on January 1, 2020.

To start, there are some new taxes (which I opposed), including:

• Dry Cleaning – Existing state sales tax rate will be expanded to dry cleaning services & laundry services
• Parking – Existing state sales tax rate will be expanded to parking fees
• Interior Design Service – Existing state sales tax rate will be expanded to interior design services
• Safety Apparel – Tax exempt status on safety apparel is repealed, subjecting these items to existing sales tax rate (reflective vests, protective gloves, etc.)

However, there are some new laws going into effect that may be helpful to you and your families:

An Act Concerning Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorder

This new law creates a level of parity and protection for patients seeking mental health and substance abuse disorder treatments. To review the full summary, click here.

An Act Concerning Training for Certain Public Safety and Emergency Services Personnel

I introduced the bill that became this new law at the suggestion of the Foundation for Exceptional Children of Suffield. It increases no-cost training opportunities for first responders who may encounter persons with autism or other cognitive impairments in the line of duty and offers increased understanding their specific needs in emergency situations. To review the full summary, click here.

An Act Concerning Prescription Drug Costs (Passed in 2018)

This new law requires greater reporting requirements on pharmacy benefits managers, health carriers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, the Office of Health Strategy and the Insurance Department concerning prescription drug rebates and the cost of prescription drugs. To review the full summary, click here.

A full list of laws going into effect on January 1st can be accessed by clicking here.

Sincerely,

Tami Zawistowski – State Representative – 61^st Assembly District

As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding state government, please contact my office at (800) 842-1423, or email me at tami.zawistowski@housegop.ct.gov. You can also follow my legislative activity on my website at www.RepZawistowski.com.