House Democrats led the way in passing a number of new laws that went into effect July 1, aimed at improving the quality of life in Connecticut.  
 
Our efforts focused heavily on responding to COVID-19, with many of the bills passed targeting the disparate impacts the pandemic has had on our communities while also addressing numerous archaic laws and practices in an equitable way to better Connecticut.

Here are just a few of the laws and provisions taking effect July 1:

Inclusion of Black and Latino Studies in Public School Curriculum:

• HB 7082 – requires public school curriculum to include Black and Latino studies to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of history.

Access to Birth Certificates:

• HB 6105 – takes steps to allow adoptees 18 and older to understand the history of their biological families by allowing them access to their birth certificates.

Legalizing Sports Betting:

• HB 6451 – allows for the Governor to amend agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe in order to modernize and expand gaming in Connecticut. The agreement between the State and the tribes still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Interior.

Legalizing Adult-Use of Recreational Cannabis:

• SB 1201 – is a multi-part bill that will take effect in annual increments with the first portion taking effect July 1st, 2021. The breakdown is as follows:
  • Possession: Possession of cannabis for recreational use will be legal in Connecticut for adults age 21 and over beginning July 1.
  • Retail sales: Retail sales of cannabis are projected to begin in Connecticut by the end of 2022.
  • Homegrown: Patients participating in Connecticut’s medical marijuana program will be permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants beginning October 1. All adults age 21 and over will be permitted to grow a similar number of plants indoors within their homes beginning July 1, 2023.
• The bill erases convictions related to possession of less than 4 oz. of marijuana, for offenses occurring between 2015 – 2021 and erases convictions related to possession of any amount of marijuana for offenses occurring between 2000-2015.
• The majority of revenue from cannabis sales will be utilized to establish an Equity Fund.
  • The Equity Fund will help Connecticut right the wrongs of the War on Drugs by initiating criminal justice reforms while creating economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by this divisive tactic.

A full list of laws that took effect July 1 can be viewed by clicking the button below.

Laws Taking Effect July 1