New Laws in Effect

July 11, 2022







New Laws in Effect

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,



A number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2022 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state took effect in Connecticut on July 1, 2022.



The list is extensive, but see below for some highlights:



JobsCT



The budget established the JobsCT tax rebate program for companies in specified industries to earn rebates against insurance premiums, corporation business, and pass-through entity (PE) taxes for reaching certain job creation targets.

 

Indoor Air Quality in Public Schools



In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislature passed several initiatives to improve schools’ indoor air quality. A grant program was created to reimburse boards of education or regional education service centers for costs associated with installing, replacing, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or other air quality improvements. The budget makes $150 million available for the program ($75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $75 million in general obligation bonds effective July 1, 2022). Additionally, the act requires boards of education to conduct a uniform inspection and evaluation of the HVAC system in each school building under its jurisdiction every five years and take any necessary corrective actions.



It also establishes a working group to study and make recommendations related to indoor air quality within schools.



Captive Audience Meetings



A new law generally prohibits employers from penalizing employees or threatening to do so for refusing to attend employer-sponsored meetings, listen to speech, or view communications primarily intended to convey the employer’s opinion about religious or political matters, including decisions to join or support labor organizations. The law provides exceptions for, among other things, employers to communicate information required by law or that the employees need to perform their jobs.



Catalytic Converters



Several changes were made regarding the receipt and sale of catalytic converters, including prohibiting anyone other than a motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop from selling more than one unattached converter to a scrap metal processor, junk dealer, or junk yard owner or operator in a day. The law also establishes several recordkeeping requirements and other conditions, such as affixing or writing a stock number on converters.



Paid Family Leave



Starting July 1, 2022, among other provisions, the act requires employers to notify their employees at the time of hiring and every year thereafter about their entitlement to family and medical leave and family violence leave and the terms under which the leaves may be used, about the opportunity to file a benefits claim under the FMLI program. The law also prohibits employer retaliation against an employee for requesting, applying for, or using family medical leave for which an employee is eligible.



Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you and continue expressing your views and making your voice heard.

Full List of New Laws in Effect

Free Youth Admissions to CT Museums Return this Summer

The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is returning for the 2022 summer season. Starting Friday, July 1, all children and 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 is a great opportunity for parents and guardians who are looking for a family friendly activity during the hot summer months. Please click here for a complete list of participating locations.  

Covered Connecticut Program Now Available to Adults Without Children

Access Health CT (AHCT) announced that they expanded  eligibility requirements for the Covered Connecticut Program and additional benefits for those that qualify. The program, which was launched last July, provides health insurance at no cost to parents and caretaker relatives who meet all eligibility requirements. The Covered Connecticut Program is now available to Connecticut residents without children who also satisfy all eligibility criteria. As of July 1, 2022, the program provides dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) benefits.



Connecticut residents can find out if they are eligible for the Covered Connecticut Program by completing an application at AccessHealthCT.com and can find free help and enroll online, in-person or by phone.

Kicks For Kids Sneaker Collection 

The Friendly Hand Food Bank is holding a shoe collection drive. FHFB wants to ensure that local students have brand new sneakers when they return to school in September. Donations can be dropped off at the food bank - 50 King Street, Torrington, CT. Additional drop off locations will be announced soon. Please visit the Friendly Hand Food Bank website for more information.

Connecticut’s Free Community College Program Deadline Approaching 

If you or someone you know is a recent high school graduate headed to college or university, I have some important information to share with you! The deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program is fast approaching. Students looking to take advantage of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program are encouraged to apply by Friday, July 15.

 

This session, we passed legislation expanding eligibility for PACT funding to part-time college students.

 

Applicants must be Connecticut high school graduates who are first-time college students, have completed the FAFSA application, plan on taking at least six credits per semester, and are working toward a degree or certificate.

 

The goal of PACT was to make higher education more accessible. Including part time students will further increase the reach of this program.  Click here to learn more.

Sincerely,



Michelle Cook

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