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Dear Neighbor,
This weekend, several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect. These laws are a result of my colleagues' hard work during the 2022 session. Below are just some of the laws that will take effect and what they mean for you. |
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Establishing Juneteenth as a State Holiday
Public Act 22-128 designates June 19, known as Juneteenth Independence Day, a legal state holiday.
Juvenile Justice Reforms & Firearm Background Checks
To respond to pandemic-related crime, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 22-115. Provisions taking effect will streamline juvenile arrest and delinquency proceedings; create more intensive responses to juveniles with serious repeated charges, focusing on motor vehicle thefts; and the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) will notify local law enforcement if a resident fails a background check when trying to purchase a firearm.
Addressing Children's Mental Health Concerns
Public Act 22-47 is a transformative piece of legislation that takes steps to bolster Connecticut's children's mental and behavioral health system and improve the delivery and accessibility of services. Parts of this law will take effect to increase the number of qualified health care providers by permitting out-of-state providers to apply for edited licensure in Connecticut; create a statewide emergency service telecommunications plan addressing mental health, behavioral health, or substance use disorder needs; and expand Connecticut's emergency response team.
Connecticut Clean Air Act
Public Act 22-25 takes steps to cut transportation-related emissions, improve air quality, and realize a greener, more sustainable state for all. Parts of the law will go into effect:
- electrifying state vehicles
- establishing the "right to charge" allowing renters to request electric charging stations at their residences
- transitioning to zero-emission school buses
- prohibiting planned community associations from adopting rules that would prevent unit homeowners from installing solar panels
Fair Rent Commission Act
Public Act 22-30 requires municipalities with populations of at least 25,000 to establish a fair rent commission, where they conduct studies and investigations, hold hearings, receive rent complaints, and intervene in matters between tenants and landlords.
Timely Reporting by the Police of a Death
In light of an investigation of Bridgeport police officers who failed to properly notify the next of kin of two women who died in December 2021 and similar incidents across our state, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 22-61 to require the timely reporting of a death to the next of kin. Police officers will have 24 hours after identifying a victim to report the death. Failure to report a death as required will trigger an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General.
Written Consent from Patients Receiving Intimate Examinations and the Development of Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program
Public Act 22-33 requires hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities to obtain a patient’s express written consent to an “intimate examination." The law also requires UConn Health Center to develop a plan to establish an endometriosis data and biorepository program.
For a complete list of the laws taking effect, click here. |
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| National Clean Energy Week |
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| It's National Clean Energy Week! To learn about the legislation, initiatives, and resources that all work to make Connecticut green and clean, check out the 2022 Progress Report here. |
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| A Great Day at the "We Are New London" Parade |
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| It was a privilege to spend the day with our community at the "We Are New London" Parade. Big thanks to all that came out and helped us celebrate New London's great diversity! |
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| Jason Hyatt Center Ribbon Cutting |
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| On Wednesday, I had the great opportunity to give a citation to the family of Justin Hyatt. Justin had an incredible passion to impact youth and young adults in our community helping them reach what was possible when the thought was impossible. |
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| Jason was definitely a change agent in the journey he was able to touch so many lives in so many incredible ways. It was my honor to stand and present something on such an occasion that will transform our community. |
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| First Win for the New London Whalers! |
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Congrats to the New London Whalers, who picked up their first win last Friday. The Whalers defeated the Stonington Bears 34-14.
Check out pictures from Friday's game in The Day here. |
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| "Shout It Out" for NLHS Senior Nalyce Dudley |
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Please join me in sending a big "Shout It Out" to New London High School Senior Nalyce Dudley for being highlighted in a recent sports opinion piece from The Day. Thank you Nalyce for your part in keeping New London in the news!
Check out the article, "Dudley doing right playing multiple sports at NLHS," in The Day here. |
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| Bike New London Fall Cleanup of Gold Star Bridge Bike Lane |
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| Bike New London is sponsoring a fall cleanup of Gold Star Bridge bike lane on Saturday, October 1 from 10AM-12PM. This is a volunteer effort to make the bridge lane and ramps cleaner and safer for all users. Gloves, buckets, and grabbers will be provided – participants will meet at Bike New London shop (399 Williams Street). |
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Are you a single mother? OIC of New London want to celebrate you! On Saturday, October 1 OIC will host a Single Moms Luncheon – leave the kids with the babysitter and come out to enjoy a special lunch on us!
No cost – just bring yourself! Limited seating so RSVP is required. Learn more or RSVP by clicking here. |
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| First Birth to Age 8 Early Childhood Community Gathering |
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| Neighbors are invited to join New London Public Schools for a night to explore music at BP Mission on Wednesday, October 5, 5PM-6:30PM. Local musician Steve Elci will be performing, engaging young children and families in the theme of music in education. Community partners and staff will share resources and handouts on early childhood education. Dinner will be served, and great raffles will be given out! All are welcome to join. |
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| 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund Awards Ceremony |
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| They're back in person! Join members of the community to recognize and honor the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars on Thursday, October 20. Doors open at 4:30PM, cash bar at 5PM, and dinner at 6PM. Get tickets and learn more by clicking here. |
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| Seeking Craft Vendors: Old Town Mill Harvest Festival |
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| Are you a crafter? The City of New London is looking for vendors for the 11th Annual Harvest Festival. The Old Town Mill Harvest Festival is on Saturday, October 29 from 11AM-3PM featuring hayrides, music, apple cider donuts, popcorn and much more! One 10'x6' space is provided FREE of charge for participating vendors – table and chairs not provided; no tents allowed. |
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| Free Meals: Dine Meal Truck Open |
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| The New London Community Meal Center is now bringing free meals to go at OIC (Hempstead Street)! Every Tuesday and Thursday from 4PM-4:30PM, stop by for a free meal. |
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| Openings Available at Childworks Preschool |
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| Are you looking for a quality preschool for your 3- or 4-year-old? Childworks Preschool in New London has openings available now. For more information, send a DM via the Shiloh New London Facebook page or call (860) 443-6046 x110. |
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| You're Invited: CIYPR Listening Sessions |
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The Connecticut Institute for Youth and Police Relations (CIYPR) will host listening sessions to learn what community policing issues are most important to people – especially youth and families – in Connecticut. The sessions will be approximately an hour and a half long on the following dates:
- Monday, October 3, 6PM – Hartford Public Library Downtown (pizza and beverages will be provided)
- Thursday, October 20, 6PM – Online via Zoom
- Monday, November 7, 6PM – Online via Zoom
Community members of all ages and partner organizations are encouraged to participate. To learn more or join a listening session, click here. |
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| Community Investment Fund Grants Approved |
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| Grants from the Community Investment Fund (CIF) were approved on Tuesday. Unfortunately, New London was not considered during this first round of funding. That said, the second round of funding is expected to happen in November – between now and then I will continue to advocate for New London and Southeastern, CT to bring CIF grants our way. |
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CIF is a transformational opportunity to invest in underserved communities in Connecticut through economic development and small business, education, and infrastructure projects. CIF allows $175 million per year for the next five years in bonding (only about $75 million was allocated in this first round), with the option to renew the program for an additional five years. This funding will be directed to projects proposed by eligible municipalities, community development corporations, or nonprofit organizations.
As of now, Governor Lamont has 60 days to respond to the projects approved during Tuesday's meeting – please see above to see what exactly those projects are. |
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| Worried about Heating Costs? CT Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications |
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Big news! Applications are now open for the CT Energy Assistance Program. Benefits are based on your household's income and number of family members. Apply online, over the phone, or by mail – applications must be received by May 31, 2023.
For more information, visit ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply or call 2-1-1. |
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| CT is Working to Expand Internet Access Across the State |
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JUST APPROVED! Funding from President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan is helping Connecticut launch a program that will expand or improve broadband for 10,000 households and businesses!
The grant comes from the Department of the Treasury as part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund. This fund has a goal of carrying out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3RmYRAw |
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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