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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Laws Taking Effect July 1
Laws Effective from Passage
This is a press release from state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia/Derby.
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