Frank J. Smith

New Laws Bringing Change to Connecticut

Several new laws that we passed during the 2026 legislative session took effect on July 1, bringing important changes for Connecticut residents. Among them is Public Act 26-42, which expands access to voting by allowing any eligible voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The law removes outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to a narrow set of circumstances. Another new law, Public Act 26-12, strengthens recruitment and retention efforts for Connecticut's first responders. The legislation expands benefits such as tuition waivers and mortgage assistance for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members, while also providing support for the families of certain public safety personnel who die on duty. Public Act 26-1 provides stronger workplace protections for employees at warehouses and fulfillment centers. The law ensures that productivity quotas do not interfere with legally required meal and bathroom breaks and requires employers to clearly communicate any quotas workers are expected to meet. Meanwhile Public Act 26-127 expands access to renewable energy, simplifies solar installation, and makes clean energy more affordable. The law extends the state's residential, commercial, and community solar programs through 2027, ensuring continued support for clean energy as electricity demand grows. These measures reflect our ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible, to support our first responders and their families, to protect our workers, and to expand renewable energy. Click here for or a full list of new laws