Bridgeport State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, House chair of the Judiciary Committee, shares highlights of new laws starting January 1.
As we ring in the new year, I want to share information on a number of laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session that will go into effect Wednesday, January 1. See below for details.
We passed a law making several changes to absentee balloting laws, including requiring municipalities to make video recordings of absentee ballot drop boxes during elections and release these recordings to the public. Additionally, town clerks must track how they receive absentee ballots (e.g., by mail, in a drop box, or in person) and report this information to the secretary of the state.
The act also, among other changes, modifies the procedures for acquiring absentee ballot applications, including requiring voters to request applications personally if they have already requested one for that election, limiting the number of applications a person may request 90 days or more before an election, and requiring application forms to expire at the end of each year.
Connecticut’s paid sick leave policy was expanded to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.
It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded – helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.
We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.
Other laws going into effect Jan. 1 include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents.
Full list of laws going into effect here
