10 New Connecticut Laws Going Into Effect in 2022

Connecticut's General Assembly has debated, procrastinated, premeditated, and finally articulated ten new Connecticut laws that go into effect in the coming new year.

The new laws cover everything from cannabis to criminals and parental rights to granny pods. According to the State of Connecticut's website, let's find out what your Connecticut lawmakers have been up to.

1. Use of Force By Police Officers - This law will "limit the circumstances under which an officer's use of deadly physical force is justified and establish situations to consider when evaluating the officer's action was objectively reasonable."
2. Adult-Use Cannabis - These new cannabis laws are complicated, so I'll try to simplify. Adults aged 21 and older can grow up to six marijuana plants beginning July 2, 2023(?) Prior sentences or charges for possession will be erased starting on July 1, 2022.
3. Paid Medical Leave - This law will provide wage replacement benefits to certain employees taking leave for reasons under the state's Family and Medical Leave Act.
4. Erasure of Criminal Records - This allows the expunging of some criminal records starting in 2023.
5. Religious Vaccine Exemption - Starting on January 1, 2022, you will not be allowed to claim religious exceptions from state-mandated immunizations for public and private schools students.
6. Granny Pods - Towns will be required to allow owners of single-family homes to adapt their homes to accommodate extra living space or accessory units without the authorization of local officials.
7. Parental Rights for Same-Sex, Unmarried and Nonbiological Parents - This law will guarantee equal treatment for children born to same-sex couples.
8. Living Organ Donors - This new law protects living organ donors from discrimination regarding securing life insurance, disability, and long-term care insurance.
9. Providing Education on Blood Oxygen Devices - The CT Department of Public Health is required to provide education about blood oxygen devices for COVID-19.
10. Psychotropic Drugs - Health care providers may not prescribe psychotropic drugs greater than what the provider deems necessary.

If you'd like to read the full explanation of each new law, good luck because they're written in legalese. Click on the link for each new law.