Josh Elliott

Connecticut has long been a national leader in combating hate crimes. Recently signed legislation strengthens the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to investigate, charge, and prosecute hate crimes while pursuing the enhanced penalties associated with those offenses.

Connecticut was among the first states in the nation to enact a hate crimes law in 1990. Since then, additional hate crime provisions have been added to state statutes over several decades in response to evolving needs and protections.

The newly signed legislation consolidates Connecticut’s existing hate crimes laws into a dedicated chapter of the state statutes, making them easier for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the public to locate and understand. The law also updates and standardizes terminology across the statutes to ensure greater consistency and clarity.

In conjunction with the signing of Public Act 26-77, the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council, which was established in 2021 to increase public awareness, encourage reporting, and help prevent hate crimes, announced the launch of a new statewide public awareness campaign, Hate Is More Than a Word… It May Be a Crime. The Council also unveiled expanded online resources to help residents recognize, report, and respond to hate crimes and bias incidents.

Click here to watch the public service announcement, and click here to visit the Connecticut Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for additional information or to report a hate crime.

A new law has been signed strengthening protections for children going to and from school by holding drivers accountable when they fail to stop for school buses has been signed into law. 

Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the state’s school bus stopping law for a third time will face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of a school bus displaying its flashing red lights and remain there until the lights are off.

Violations include a $450 fine for the first offense and a fine of $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in prison, or both for a subsequent offense. This new law adds another important layer of accountability.

The Special Enrollment Period for Temporary Premium Assistance through Access Health CT (AHCT) ends June 30.

Eligible households may qualify for state-funded premium assistance if their income is between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and they are not enrolled in Covered CT, or if their income is above 400% and up to 500% of the FPL. Click here to determine your eligibility.

Free enrollment assistance is available online, by phone, and in person. Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click “Get Help” to schedule an appointment, connect with a Navigator, or work with a Certified Broker. AHCT has also expanded its Navigator program and launched a Mobile Enrollment Team to provide in-person assistance at community events across the state. Online assistance and live chat are also available through AccessHealthCT.com.

For assistance by phone, call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in more than 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call through a relay operator.

Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 13! More than 200 attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historic sites, farms, and restaurants, will offer free or discounted admission and special promotions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to discover new destinations and celebrate the rich experiences that make Connecticut such a great and fun place to explore.

Click here for a complete list of activities, events, and attractions taking place across the state.