On October 1, several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect. These laws are a result of the hard work of my colleagues and I during the 2021 session pushing for meaningful changes that would benefit all Connecticut residents.
Below is a selection of some of the laws that will go into effect: |
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Breastfeeding in the Workplace
- Public Act No. 21-27 – Requires employers to provide a private room or location with an electrical outlet for women to express milk. Employers must also provide a refrigerated space to store the breastmilk.
- The law also protects breastfeeding employees from workplace discrimination.
Marijuana and Smoking Restrictions
- On October 1, a portion of Public Act No. 21-1 will go into effect.
- Medical marijuana patients who are 18 years of age or older can start growing mature and immature plants at home.
- Smoking of any kind (tobacco, vaping, marijuana) will be prohibited within 25 feet of the any door, window, or vent intake of any building open to the public.
Pedestrian Safety
- PA 21-28 clarifies the rules for pedestrians in crosswalks
- Starting October 1, drivers must slow down or stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or indicated that they are going to cross.
Addressing Gender Discrimination
- PA 21-30 – Requires employers to offer equal pay for "comparable” work regardless of gender.
- Also requires employers to offer prospective applicants and employees with a scale of pay among those with similar tasks.
"Bottle Bill"
- PA 21-58 -Starting October 1, certain retailers will be required to have at least two reverse vending machines on their premises.
- It also increases the handling fee paid by the distributors to redemption centers from 2.5 cents per beverage container to 3.5 cents.
Click here for the complete list. |
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