Today, July 1, is the first day of the new fiscal year. As a result, a number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2022 legislative session are now in effect. Below are a few highlights:
Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Services
In light of the recent Supreme Court Decision on Roe v Wade, I am pleased that Connecticut took proactive steps to ensure reproductive rights. This new law establishes protections for individuals seeking an abortion and physicians performing services. It also protects against out-of-state judgments based on reproductive or gender-affirming health care services that are legal in Connecticut, allowing these individuals to recover certain costs they incurred defending the out-of-state action and bringing an action under the new law. The law allows advanced practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, and physician assistants to provide reproductive services.
JobsCT
The budget established the JobsCT tax rebate program for companies in specified industries to earn rebates against insurance premiums, corporation business, and pass-through entity (PE) taxes for reaching certain job creation targets.
Indoor Air Quality in Public Schools
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the legislature passed several initiatives to improve schools’ indoor air quality. A grant program was created to reimburse boards of education or regional education service centers for costs associated with installing, replacing, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems or other air quality improvements. The budget makes $150 million available for the program ($75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and $75 million in general obligation bonds effective July 1, 2022). Additionally, the act requires boards of education to conduct a uniform inspection and evaluation of the HVAC system in each school building under its jurisdiction every five years and take any necessary corrective actions. It also establishes a working group to study and make recommendations related to indoor air quality within schools.
Catalytic Converters
Several changes were made regarding the receipt and sale of catalytic converters, including prohibiting anyone other than a motor vehicle recycler or motor vehicle repair shop from selling more than one unattached converter to a scrap metal processor, junk dealer, or junk yard owner or operator in a day. The law also establishes several record keeping requirements and other conditions, such as affixing or writing a stock number on converters. This is an effort to stop the demand for stolen catalytic converters.
Click here for the complete list.
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you and continue expressing your views and making your voice heard.
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