Thursday, July 1, 2021

Rochelle outlines new state laws effective July 1


Over 100 new laws in Connecticut took effect today, marking the tireless work my colleagues and I put in during the 2021 session. 
We all worked hard to listen to your concerns in order to advocate for you in Hartford.

Many of the bills passed during the 2021 Legislative Session work to address the disparate impacts COVID-19 has had on our communities while also addressing numerous archaic laws and practices in an equitable way to better Connecticut.

Here are just a few of the laws and provisions taking effect July 1:

Legalizing Adult-Use of Recreational Cannabis: SB 1201 – Passed in 2021 – is a multi-part bill that will take effect in annual increments with the first portion taking effect today. 
The breakdown is as follows:
Possession: Possession of cannabis for recreational use will be legal in Connecticut for adults age 21 and over beginning July 1, 2021. Adults can possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person, and no more than 5 ounces in their homes or locked in their car, truck or glove box. 
Buying and/or selling cannabis in Connecticut is still illegal. The legal market in our state will take time to develop. You can purchase marijuana in other states where it is legal while Connecticut implements its own market.
If you choose to participate, make sure you're on the right side of the law.
NOBODY can smoke cannabis in a moving vehicle. That includes passengers.
It is legal to smoke cannabis only in places where cigarette smoking is permitted. 
For example, smoking in a state park could result in a $250 fine. Pay attention to your surroundings and obey local ordinances and state laws.
Cannabis may not be consumed on the job, and your employer may still demand drug testing. There are certain legal protections in certain industries against disciplinary action for private, off-the-job use. 
Be sure to understand the rules applicable to you in your industry before using.
If you choose to consume cannabis, please do it legally, responsibly, and safely.

Retail sales: Retail sales of cannabis are projected to begin in Connecticut by the end of 2022. The sale, manufacture, and cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes requires a license from the state.

Homegrown: Patients who are participating in Connecticut’s medical marijuana program will be permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants (three mature, three immature) in their homes beginning October 1, 2021. All adults age 21 and over will be permitted to grow a similar number of plants indoors within their homes beginning July 1, 2023.
The bill erases convictions related to possession of less than 4 oz. of marijuana, for offenses occurring between 2015 – 2021 and erases convictions related to possession of any amount of marijuana for offenses occurring between 2000-2015.
The majority of revenue from cannabis sales will be utilized to establish an Equity Fund.
The Equity Fund will help Connecticut right the wrongs of the War on Drugs by initiating criminal justice reforms while creating economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by this divisive tactic.

Plastic Bag Ban:
The second and final stage of Connecticut’s single-use plastic bag law that passed in 2019 will also take effect.
The first phase of this bill initiated a 10-cent charge for plastic bags back in August 2019.
You will not be able to get a plastic bag at grocery store check outs - however, paper bags will still be available for a fee. 
Connecticut residents are of course to continue to use and bring their reusable bags (also sold in stores).

Inclusion of Black and Latino Studies in Public School Curriculum:
HB 7082 – Passed in 2019 – requires public school curriculum to include Black and Latino studies elective to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of history.
Under the act, boards must offer the elective course in the 2022-23 school year, but they may do so in the upcoming 2021-22 school year.
The State Board of Education (SDE) will conduct an annual audit to ensure that the required courses are being offered and report their findings to the Education Committee. 
SDE developed the curriculum and provided it to boards of education across the state, saving local school districts significant money.

Legalizing Sports Betting:
HB 6451 – Passed in 2021 – allows for the Governor to amend agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe in order to modernize and expand gaming in Connecticut. The agreement between the State and the tribes still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Interior.
States across the country have already made critically needed expansions to their gaming industry by investing in new online technology, and this law allows our State to keep up with these developing efforts.
This law will generate additional revenue for  Connecticut’s General Fund.These are just a few of the laws and provisions that went into effect today. 
The full list of laws taking effect on July 1 can be accessed by clicking the button below.

Laws Taking Effect July 1


Laws Effective from Passage



This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.

St. Vincent de Paul in Derby marks 4th of July with food distribution for 50 families


Produce, meats, and non-perishable items were given to 50 Valley families Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, 237 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. This was the first time the nonprofit distributed food for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.



 



Registration opens today for 10th annual Pounding the Pavement for Seymour Pink

Location: VIRTUAL ANYWHERE OR Seymour, CT US 06483 Directions   
Type: Run or Run/Walk, Virtual Race / Challenge

Registration is LIVE for the 2021 Pounding the Pavement for Pink race weekend.

Early Bird Registration runs through July 15th - that's only two weeks to take advantage of the lowest prices for our events this year. Here's a summary of these options:

5k - LIVE EVENT In Seymour (3.1 Mile Walk or Run) 
5k - Virtual Anywhere (3.1 Mile Walk or Run) 
Pink Challenge - Hybrid (5k in Person + 10k Virtual)
Pink Challenge - Virtual Anywhere (5k+10k) 
Kids Race - Virtual (1 Mile Fun Run)

Please read the race options carefully on RunSignup to ensure you register for the option you'd prefer!

Join the FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER!

Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby Public Library to present virtual webinars


DERBY - Derby Public Library invites all ages and families at 6 p.m. July 8 to the virtual Wildlife Summer Series presented by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection through the Kellogg Environmental Center. 


These webinar presentations by conservationists and biologists will focus on the state’s native and  migratory flying friends. 


Registration links for these webinars are provided through DPL’s Events Calendar at www.derbypubliclibrary.org


For more information call 203-736-1482.


This is shared from Tony DeLos, young adult librarian, Derby Public Library. 



Travel the world in Shelton Library System's summer reading program


SHELTON - Are you getting a little tired of not going anywhere?
Join us and travel with the Shelton Libraries for our Summer Reading Program “Around the World in 60 Days”
Register in person at either Plumb Memorial Library or the Huntington Branch Library.
Traveler’s Ages:
Children: 1 – 12 years old and Teens: 13 – 18 years old
Dates:
Saturday, June 19, 2021 through Saturday, August 21, 2021
Prizes:
2 – $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Cards plus
9 – $25 Weekly Prizes to local businesses per Traveler’s Ages.
Every traveler who completes and collects at least one or more stamps in their passport can register & participate in our “End-of-Summer-Party” with Comedic Mime Robert Rivest and receive an ice cream treat from an ice cream truck!!!
Summer Reading Program Directions:

Each registered traveler will receive a passport.
Each traveler will “visit” each of the 7 continents through books, DVDs, music, and audiobooks available at both Shelton Libraries.
Travelers ages 1-3 years old will read, watch, or listen to
1 library item per continent
Travelers ages 4-18 years old will read, watch, or listen to
3 library items per continent
Each traveler is required to log the title(s) of the library items used to learn about each continent within the passport.
A traveler who has completed a continent or continents can bring the passport to either Plumb Memorial or the Huntington Branch Library to receive a stamp in the passport.
A traveler who has collected all 7 stamps can complete the last page of the passport and hand it in for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Shared from the Shelton Library System Facebook page.

Children can 'Adopt a Book Buddy' at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Looking for a furry friend to read with? Adopt a Book Buddy from the Derby Neck Library! 

Request a Book Bundle of 3 books or more and you’ll get to choose from a monkey, an owl, a tiger, a penguin, and many others to bring home with you. 

All of our Book Buddies come with a special commemorative Tails & Tales pin and love to read. 

Fill out this form to adopt your new friend today: https://forms.gle/NFvmcQ4Z3LwgKTH2A


This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.