Mental Health Parity Bill and CT Farm Bill signed

July 17, 2025


 

 

I'm writing to share some legislative updates from the past week. Two important pieces of legislation have been signed into law:

  1. Mental Health Parity Improvements – The existing Mental Health Parity Law has been significantly strengthened to ensure better access to care and coverage for mental health services.

  2. CT Farm Bill – This new legislation provides a substantial boost to our state’s agricultural sector, supporting local farmers and promoting sustainability.

Keep scrolling to read more about each of these new laws.
 

Mental Health Parity

Last week the governor signed legislation that strengthens the state's mental health parity laws. This legislation addresses deficiencies in the prior 2019 Mental Health Parity Law, which lacked robust enforcement mechanisms.

This new law significantly improves enforcement of the existing law by:

  • Enabling the state to fine insurance companies that do not comply with mental health parity laws, which require insurance companies to provide the same coverage for mental health as they would for any medical or surgical condition. Those who don’t comply can face fines up to $625,000.
  • Increasing transparency by requiring public annual reports that disclose whether insurers are complying with the law.
  • Limiting insurers' ability to use "step therapy," a protocol that requires patients to try less expensive (and potentially less effective) treatments before accessing those recommended by their doctors. 

This legislation makes Connecticut's mental health parity laws among the strongest in the nation.
 

CT Farm Bill

Governor Lamont's newly signed CT Farm Bill provides a significant boost to Connecticut's agricultural sector by introducing a broad suite of incentives and protections aimed at strengthening local farms.

Here's a breakdown of what this legislation means for farm owners:

A 20% Tax Credit for “Farm Investment Property”

  • Encourages investment in equipment, infrastructure, and technology.
  • Helps farmers offset costs of modernizing and expanding operations.

Crop Loss Reimbursement

  • Provides financial support for farmers hit by natural disasters or other crop-damaging events.
  • Aims to improve stability and risk management for growers.

Drone Regulations to Boost Innovation

  • Clarifies and potentially simplifies rules around drone usage.
  • Promotes precision agriculture through improved data collection, monitoring, and efficiency.

Support for Shellfish, Agritourism & More

  • Expands state-level backing for niche and value-added farm activities.
  • Recognizes the role of aquaculture and farm-based tourism in rural economic development.

Expanding Land Access Grants

  • Makes it easier for new and historically underserved farmers to acquire farmland.
  • Addresses long-standing barriers to land ownership and usage.
 

Community Events

Come to the banks of the Connecticut River on Thursdays until July 31 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. for the at the Sounds of Summer Concert Series.  You are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs to Great River Park Amphitheater (301 East River Drive) and enjoy the evening! 
 
The 2025 lineup:

  • July 17: La Choco Band (Latin Music)
  • July 24: Mass-Conn Fusion (Jazz, Motown, R&B)
  • July 31: Soul Sound Revue (7-piece Modern Music)

In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Culture Center (50 Chapman Place).
 
 

Every Tuesday until October 28 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. the East Hartford Farmers' Market is open for a mix of fresh and local produce, honey made from East Hartford hives, hot food and cottage food goodies, locally produced crafts, and more!

For eligible products, the East Hartford Farmers' Market accepts:
  • SNAP and we DOUBLE SNAP! (Stop by the Health & Human Services table to convert SNAP into Market Dollars)
  • WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits
  • Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs benefits

Click here for more information.

In addition to the regular scheduled East Hartford Farmers’ Market, there will be six farmers’ market pop-ups at different locations around East Hartford to expand community access to fresh, local produce: 

  • Monday, July 28th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Hockanum Park (356 High St.)
  • Monday, August 4th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Rd.)
  • Monday, August 18th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Hockanum Park (356 High St.)
  • Monday, September 8th, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at Labor Field (36 Woodlawn Circle)