New Laws for the New Year

By: Senator John A. Kissel

With a new year come new laws that have taken effect as of January 1. These include laws impacting the resale of concert tickets, new ride-hailing regulations and laws that keep in mind the unwavering Hartford Whalers fans out there. In-fact, January 1 is one of the three days of the year when legislation that was passed in the General Assembly takes effect – with the exception of bills that are effective upon passage.

Hartford Whaler fans take note – starting January 1 the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is required to start selling Hartford Whalers commemorative license plates. There will be a $60 fee for the plates with $15 going to the DMV and the remainder being deposited into an account that will benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Ride-hailing companies, like Uber and Lyft, will also have a few new regulations to follow here in Connecticut this year. Ride-hailing companies will have to annually register with the state Department of Transportation and pay a $5,000 fee. They will also be required to obtain background checks on all drivers and prohibit individuals who have been convicted in the last seven years of certain crimes, including driving under the influence, fraud, sexual offenses, or acts of violence. The state now has the power to revoke the license of any company that does not comply with these new regulations.

Several sections of a comprehensive opioid bill will also take effect. This includes the requirement that insurers cover the cost of treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Another provision requires prescriptions for controlled substances to be transmitted electronically to prevent abuse.

For the frequent concert enthusiasts – a new law will make it easier for you to resell concert tickets. Most venues will no longer be able to sell paperless tickets that are nontransferable. The new law says no one can be denied entrance to an entertainment event because the ticket was resold.

Did you know that you can find a full list of newly effective laws online?

Follow this link: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/Content/aearchives.asp.