July 1 Newsletter: New Laws, July 4th Weekend

Laws Effective July 1, 2021
July 1, 2021
We are constantly working to provide updates and important news as it develops over social media and by email. This is a recap of some of this week’s highlights.

For more information about the state's response efforts visit ct.gov/coronavirus. To receive text message notifications, sign up for CTAlert, the state’s emergency alert system. To subscribe, text "COVIDCT" to 888-777.
 
New Laws Going Into Effect Thursday
Over 100 new laws in Connecticut will go into effect today, July 1st. These laws represent some of the work my colleagues and I put in by my colleagues and I over the past few months. We all worked hard to listen to your concerns in order to advocate for you in Hartford.
 
This year, our efforts focused heavily on responding to COVID-19, recovering our economy, and measures centered upon equity. Many of the bills passed during the 2021 Legislative Session work to address the disparate impacts COVID-19 has had on our communities while also expanding access to healthcare, bolstering residents' workforce opportunities, and passing a fair, balanced budget (with no tax increases).

Here are just a few of the laws and provisions taking effect July 1st:
 
Inclusion of Black and Latino Studies in Public School Curriculum:

  • HB 7082 – Passed in 2019 – requires public school curriculum to include Black and Latino studies to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of history.
  • Under the act, boards must offer the course in the 2022-23 school year, but they may do so in the upcoming 2021-22 school year.
  • The State Board of Education (SDE) will conduct an annual audit to ensure that the required courses are being offered and report their findings to the Education Committee.

Access to Birth Certificates:

  • HB 6105 – Passed in 2021 – takes steps to allow adoptees 18 and older to understand the history of their biological families by allowing them access to their birth certificates.

Ice Cream Truck Safety:

  • SB 608 – Passed in 2021 – protects children who are buying ice cream from an ice cream truck
  • The law requires these ice cream trucks to increase their visibility to other drivers, , including flashing red lights and a stop signal arm.
  • This will also establish limitations and conditions as to where ice cream trucks will be available to kids in order to optimize their safety.
  • Starting today, ice cream trucks will be prohibited from dispensing ice cream to a child coming from the opposite side of the road unless they have an adult present to assist them in crossing the road.

Legalizing Sports Betting:

  • HB 6451 – Passed in 2021 – allows for the Governor to amend agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe in order to modernize and expand gaming in Connecticut. The agreement between the State and the tribes still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Interior.
  • States across the country have already made critically needed expansions to their gaming industry by investing in new online technology, and this law allows our State to keep up with these developing efforts.
  • This law will generate additional revenue for the Connecticut’s General Fund.

Legalizing Adult-Use of Recreational Cannabis:

  • SB 1201 – Passed in 2021 – is a multi-part bill that will take effect in annual increments with the first portion taking effect July 1st, 2021. The breakdown is as follows:
    • Possession: Possession of cannabis for recreational use will be legal in Connecticut for adults age 21 and over beginning July 1st, 2021. Adults cannot have more than 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person, and no more than 5 ounces in their homes or locked in their car truck or glove box.
    • Retail sales: Retail sales of cannabis are projected to begin in Connecticut by the end of 2022. The sale, manufacture, and cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes requires a license from the state.
    • Homegrown: Patients who are participating in Connecticut’s medical marijuana program will be permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants (three mature, three immature) in their homes beginning October 1, 2021. All adults age 21 and over will be permitted to grow a similar number of plants indoors within their homes beginning July 1, 2023.
  • The bill erases convictions related to possession of less than 4 oz. of marijuana, for offenses occurring between 2015 – 2021 and erases convictions related to possession of any amount of marijuana for offenses occurring between 2000-2015.
  • The majority of revenue from cannabis sales will be utilized to establish an Equity Fund.
    • The Equity Fund will help Connecticut right the wrongs of the War on Drugs by initiating criminal justice reforms while creating economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by this divisive tactic.

Plastic Bag Ban:

  • The second and final stage of Connecticut’s single-use plastic bag law that passed in 2019 will also take effect today.
  • The first phase of this bill initiated a 10-cent charge for plastic bags back in August 2019.
  • Beginning today, you will not be able to get a plastic bag at grocery store check outs—however, paper bags will still be available for a fee. Connecticut residents are of course to continue to use and bring their reusable bags (also sold in stores).

These are just a few of the laws and provisions going into effect today. The full list of laws taking effect on July 1st can be accessed by clicking the buttons below.
Laws Taking Effect Thursday
You can also find a full list of bills from the 2021 Legislative session which were effective upon passage.
Laws Effective From Passage
Although these laws are a compilation of this year's accomplishments in the legislature, you always have the opportunity to make your voice heard. Please make sure to stay active in the legislative processes and let me know what you would like to see in both our community and throughout Connecticut.
 
Electric Vehicle Incentives for Connecticut Residents
This week, Governor Lamont announced new incentives to Connecticut's consumer rebate program for electric vehicles (known as the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate, or CHEAPR) to encourage a greater number of residents to buy or lease electric cars.

The program provides a cash rebate for state residents who purchase or lease an eligible electric vehicle costing up to $42,000. Below you can see some of the new incentives which have now gone into effect until December 31, 2021 (or until funding runs out):

(NOTE: "BEV" is a battery-electric vehicle; "PHEV" is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle; and "FCEV" is a fuel cell electric vehicle.)

For new vehicles, the CHEAPR rebate is now:

  • $2,250 for a new BEV (previously $1,500)
  • $750 for a new PHEV (previously $500)
  • $7,500 for a new FCEV (previously $5,000)

Under the Rebate+ New program, eligible purchasers or lessees may receive an additional:

  • $2,000 for a new BEV
  • $1,500 for a new PHEV
  • $2,000 for a new FCEV

Under the Rebate+ Used program, eligible purchasers or lessees of qualified used vehicles will receive:

  • $3,000 for a used BEV
  • $1,125 for a used PHEV
  • $7,500 for a used FCEV

For additional information on the CHEAPR program, CLICK HERE.
 
Summer 2021 Free Youth Admission to CT Museums
The past year was very difficult for families across Connecticut as children and parents both navigated remote learning, new childcare demands, and social distancing measures. As our communities re-open, Connecticut has launched several summer enrichment initiatives to provide children with fun and educational opportunities that capitalize on the outstanding resources throughout our state.

Starting today, July 1st, all children—plus one accompanying adult--will receive free admission to over 90 museums across Connecticut. This program will be offered through September 6th to all Connecticut children, ages 18 and under.
 
This initiative will be available at museums, science centers, aquariums, and historical landmarks across the state. Participating centers include the Connecticut Science Center, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Mystic Aquarium, and, in West Hartford, the Art Museum at the University of Saint Joseph and The Children's Museum. Click below to view the full list of participants. 
CT Summer at the Museum
I hope you and your kids take time to explore all our state has to offer this summer- especially throughout hot weeks like this one!
 
Happy July 4th Weekend!
This weekend we celebrate our country’s independence. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

For a list of things to do this weekend in our area, click HERE.