New Laws!

September 24, 2021

On October 1, several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect. These laws are a result of the hard work of my colleagues and I during the 2021 session pushing for meaningful changes that would benefit all Connecticut residents.

Below is a selection of some of the laws that will go into effect:

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.

Pedestrian Safety 

  • PA 21-28 clarifies the rules for pedestrians in crosswalks
    • Starting October 1, drivers must slow down or stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or indicated that they are going to cross.

Breastfeeding in the Workplace

  • Public Act No. 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 Public Act No. 21-1 will go into effect.
  • Medical marijuana patients who are 18 years of age or older can start growing mature and immature plants at home.
  • Smoking of any kind (tobacco, vaping, marijuana) will be prohibited within 25 feet of the any door, window, or vent intake of any building open to the public.

"Bottle Bill"

  • PA 21-58 -Starting October 1, 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.

Click here for the complete list.