Criminal justice changes populate new state laws
Hartford — A batch of new laws took effect Saturday, ranging from legislation that allows minors with certain debilitating conditions to use Connecticut’s medical marijuana program to an act requiring hospitals to inform police when they treat patients for serious stab wounds.
Many of the bills, passed during the last regular legislative session of the General Assembly, are criminal justice-related.
Following are highlights:
Medical marijuana
Beginning Oct. 1, qualified Connecticut minors will have access to medical marijuana to treat conditions such cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy under the state’s existing medical marijuana program for adults.
Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris said his agency made the necessary software changes over the summer so qualified minors could get pre-registered before the new law took effect. As of Saturday, they could access the drug at one of the state’s eight licensed dispensaries.
“The program is a little different,” said Harris, noting how minors need two physicians to confirm palliative use of marijuana is in the young patient’s interest, while adults need only one physician’s approval. Also, the list of debilitating medical conditions eligible for the drug is smaller for minors than for adults.
The same legislation also allows the state’s Department of Consumer Protection to start accepting applications for in-state medical marijuana research proposals.
DUI changes
Criminal penalties are increasing for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol while a child is riding the vehicle. The new law also applies to people driving school buses and other student transportation vehicles with or without a child passenger.
New penalties include longer mandatory minimum and maximum prison terms and required probation for firsttime offenses. For those convicted of DUI with a child passenger, the new law requires they submit to an interview and risk evaluation with the state’s Department of Children and Families as part of the driver’s probation.
Stabbing reports
Hospitals and other outpatient clinics will now have to report to police when they treat patients for serious stab wounds likely caused by a knife or other sharp instrument.
Domestic violence and guns
Legislation is taking effect that was years in the making. and was once touted by former Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona.
The new law requires subjects of temporary restraining orders to transfer any firearms to police or a firearms dealer within 24 hours of being served a temporary restraining order. The weapons will be returned if a judge determines at an expedited hearing not to impose a formal restraining order. The bill was debated in each of the last few legislative sessions, but did not pass until 2016.