On July 1, a number of new bills will go into effect in Connecticut. Some that you may be interested in knowing about include:
- Medical debt will no longer be allowed to be submitted to credit agencies, preventing that debt from negatively impacting consumer credit reports.
- Social media platforms, upon request by a minor or their parent or guardian, will delete that minor’s pages and cease collection of personal data, also providing privacy notices for users who are underage.
- Harassing, threatening or attempting to influence election workers will be made a felony.
- Primary care providers will start providing patients with information on gun safety, reflecting the impacts gun violence has on public health.
- Municipalities will be able to implement ordinances regarding drivers illegally passing school buses, which can lead to significant fines.
- Pre-school through fifth grade students will have increased focus on playing and enjoying childhood, as play-based learning, which is learning through structured play, will become a required element of education.
- Firearms dealers will be able to access arrest records including juvenile records for potential gun buyers under the age of 21.
- A mental health services crisis-response vehicle will be available to support local children 24/7, supporting those in crisis.
- Seniors will be protected by new standards easing reporting of financial exploitation; people concerned about financial exploitation can report to the Department of Social Services, Commissioner of Banking or a designated trusted third party.
Additional new laws will include simplified standards for building solar canopies to ease installation of solar panels; better standards for youth camp inspections to make state resources more efficient; expanding the Low-Income Energy Advisory Board to cover water services as well; and having barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists’ education include textured hair to prevent discrimination.
