New Connecticut Laws You Need to Know About in 2015

With the new year comes new laws. Here are some of the new Connecticut laws for 2015.

You can get the full list here.

Minimum Wage Increase: Connecticut’s minimum wage is now $0.45 higher at $9.15. The law also provides increases in 2016 and 2017 to $9.60, then $10.10.

“Connecticut was the first state in the nation to commit to increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour because we want to make sure that no one who works full time lives in poverty,” said Gov. Dannel Malloy in a press release.

“This latest increase is just one more part of a phased-in series of gradual increases for hard-working men and women, many of whom are supporting their families and who will put this increase directly into Connecticut’s economy.”

Driver’s Licenses for Non-Legal Residents/Those Without SSNs: Those who don’t have proof of legal citizenship and/or don’t have social security numbers will be able to get a license in 2015. The license is for “driving purposes only” and will be granted if they provide two forms of ID, proof of Connecticut residence and pass the road test and other Department of Motor Vehicle requirements. The previous law required proof of citizenship or proof that their presence in the US was legal.

Co-pay Caps: In 2015 it is illegal to impose a co-payment of more than $30 for in-network physical therapy services and $20 for a breast ultrasound screenings.

Use of Electronic Defense Weapons by Police: Connecticut cops have new guidelines they must follow when they use electronic defense devices. The act asks officers to be wary of those who may be extra sensitive to the use of stun guns, such as the elderly. Whenever an electronic defense weapon is used, it must be documented. Police departments will be required to submit “use of force report” annually, which documents each time an electronic defense weapon, or stun gun, is used.