September 28 Newsletter

New Laws as of October 1, 2021
September 28, 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.
 

Utility Assistance
After roughly 18 months, the pandemic moratorium on utility service disconnections is ending for residential non-hardship customers, but there are still protections, assistance programs and payment plans available.

According to Eversource, the protection moratorium from shutoff for hardship customers will prevent service turnoffs between November 1 and May 1.

Apply for Aid

  • If you or a member of your household has a serious or life-threatening medical condition, please call (800) 286-2628 to learn more about protection from disconnection.
  • See if you are eligible for the Matching Payment Program for electric heating and gas heating, call (800) 286-2628 or click here.
  • Contact Eversource under the New Start program to have your outstanding balance eliminated in as little as 12 months.

For additional assistance with your utility bill, click here or call (877) 947-3873.
 

New Laws Effective October 1
On Friday, 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. We worked tirelessly to push for change that would benefit all Connecticut residents.

Below is a selection of some of the laws that will go into effect on Friday, October 1:

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.

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.

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.

"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 the complete list of laws that will go into effect on October 1.

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 stay active in the legislative processes and stay in touch.
 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
This month, from September 15 through October 15, we observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize and feature the countless achievements of many Hispanic Americans who have positively impacted and enriched our communities.

Their rich culture has influenced the entertainment industry, sports, fashion, food, the political landscape, education, science and more with an enormous economic impact worldwide.

I am proud the legislature adopted and included Latino studies in our public high school curriculum beginning in the fall of 2022, allowing for more diversity and inclusion of an integral part of American history.

Please join me in recognizing Hispanic American successes, challenges and stories throughout this month and appreciating their invaluable contributions to society.