Each of the more than 80 new laws will bring important changes, opportunities and protections for Connecticut residents. 

Here's just a few highlights: 

Increasing Voter Participation – Based on a state constitutional amendment overwhelmingly approved by voters, this new law (PA 26-42) expands access to voting by allowing any eligible voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The law removes outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to a narrow set of circumstances.

Supporting Our First Responders - Another new law (PA 26-12) strengthens recruitment and retention efforts for Connecticut's first responders. The legislation expands benefits such as tuition waivers and mortgage assistance for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members, while also providing financial support for the families of certain public safety personnel who die in the line of duty.

Protecting Workers – This new law (PA 26-1) provides stronger workplace protections, particularly for employees at warehouses and fulfillment centers. The law ensures that productivity quotas do not interfere with legally required meal and bathroom breaks and requires employers to clearly communicate any quotas workers are expected to meet.

These specific measures reflect both the ongoing challenges and the legislature's efforts to make voting more accessible, support those who serve our communities, and strengthen protections for Connecticut workers and their families.

There are also some tax changes taking effect July 1, including eliminating the sales tax on school supplies and expanding savings during the annual "sales tax-free week." Here's an article from the CT Post on these and other tax changes.  

Consumer protection was also a focus this session, such as a new law to help prevent "price gouging." You can read about the new consumer protection laws in this article from the CT Post.  

Here's the full list of new state laws taking effect July 1.

Read more about the new laws in this article from CT NewsJunkie.