New Conn. laws now in effect

Almost 100 new laws came into effect in Connecticut on July 1. Among these laws are the legalization of recreational marijuana as well as a statewide ban on plastic bags.

While some laws will affect residents’ lives starting now, others won't be enacted until a future date. Tristan's law for ice cream truck safety, for example, has given truck drivers a deadline of May 2022 to make safety changes to their vehicles.

Here are some of the new laws starting this month.

Recreational marijuana legalization

The state has legalized recreational marijuana. Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law on June 22 and it went into effect on July 1. However, marjuana dispensaries are not expected to open until late 2022. This makes Connecticut the 19th state in which marijuana has been legalized for recreational use; it joins neighboring Massachusetts (where retail is available) and New York.

Single-use plastic bag fee

This law starts a ban on plastic shopping bags in the state. In August 2019, Connecticut enacted a 10 cent fee for single-use plastic bags. However, this second step will completely ban plastic bags at grocery and retail shops. If stores provide plastic bags, even for a fee, they would be breaking the law. The only exceptions are bags used in produce or meat sections of supermarkets, newspaper bags or reusable plastic bags (thicker than four millimeters).

Online gambling and sports bets

This law allows the Connecticut Lottery and two casinos, operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, to do sports bets and online gambling, such as online keno and lottery draw games. This law is expected to take effect later this year.

Tristan’s Law for ice cream truck safety

Ice cream truck vendors are required to add new safety equipment like safety arms, flashing lights of up to five inches in diameter and convex mirrors. Businesses have until May 2022 to comply with the new rules.

This bill was created after 10year-old Tristan Barhorst of Wallingford was struck and killed by a car while he was crossing the street after buying ice cream last year. The law requires drivers stop within 10 feet of ice cream trucks before proceeding and adults will have to accompany kids crossing streets to the trucks.

Black and Latino studies curriculum inclusion

This law requires all local and regional boards of education to include African-American, Black, Puerto Rican and Latino studies in their curriculum beginning with the 2021-22 school year. This law asks all regional and local boards of education to include elective courses in high school that provide students with the understanding of their contributions to United States history, society, economy and culture.

Access to birth records for adopted people

This law grants access to original birth records to all adopted persons who were born in Connecticut and are at least 18 years old. Previously, the state could only grant birth records to adoptees with a finalized adoption dated on or after Oct. 1, 1983.

Possession of electronic defense weapons

This law allows residents 21 years old or older to carry electronic defense weapons, such as tasers or stun guns if they have a valid firearm permit. Previously, Connecticut only allowed those with a "dangerous weapons'' permit to possess electronic defense weapons. These weapons are devices that are capable of immobilizing a person temporarily but cannot cause death or a serious injury, according to the state's law.

Long-term care facilities rights

This law gives long-term care facilities residents the right to treat their living quarters as their homes. Residents have the same rights as other state residents, including the right to use technology of their choice for virtual visitation. Under this law, residents can file complaints if their rights are violated.

Sexual misconduct and drinking on college campuses

This law protects college students who report being a victim or witness of sexual assault, stalking or violence from disciplinary action if they violated the college's policies regarding the use of alcohol of drugs.

Animal welfare

This law prohibits licensed veterinarians to practice veterinary medicine on an animal without first consulting with the owner and establishing veterinarian-clientpatient relationship with the animal. License veterinarians might provide help if it is an emergency case.

Decertified police officers and ‘no knock’ warrants

This law bans police officers decertified in other states from being licensed as security guards in Connecticut. It also prohibits “noknock” search warrants. This warrant gave permission to law enforcement to enter a property without notifying the residents.

Family violence crime

This law does not catalogue disciplining minor children as “family violence crime” unless the act is considered abuse.