Several new laws in Connecticut went into effect on October 1.

These laws are a result of the General Assembly's work during the 2022 legislative session.

Here are just some of the new laws, and what they mean for you and our state.

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 help increase the number of qualified health care providers by permitting out-of-state providers to apply for 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. This includes:

• 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 Commissions
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.

Establishing Juneteenth as a State Holiday
Public Act 22-128 designates June 19, known as Juneteenth Independence Day, a legal state holiday. The day is also sometimes referred to as "Juneteenth Independence Day," "Freedom Day," or "Emancipation Day."

Here's the full list of laws taking effect on October 1.

You can also read a related news story here.