New Laws That Took Effect On October 1, 2010

Every bill passed by the General Assembly affects someone in our state. Generally, new laws that do not take effect upon passage go into effect on January 1st, July 1st or October 1st. Sometimes, different portions of new laws take effect on different dates – and, occasionally, laws passed in one year take effect in a later year. This year, 83 new laws, or portions of new laws, took effect on October 1st.

I would like to address a few pieces of legislation that went into effect recently that will support the approximately 247,000 veterans in our state. Connecticut’s veterans have served selflessly to ensure the freedom of American citizens, and as Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee, it is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to represent these courageous men and women in the General Assembly.

An Act Concerning The Expiration Of Driver’s Licenses Issued To Members Of The Armed Forces (Public Act 10-16) extends the validity of a driver’s license held by a member of the armed forces serving on active duty out of state for thirty days after separation from service.

An Act Concerning Promotions for Retired Veterans (Public Act 10-15) permits retired senior members of the Connecticut National Guard and the Governor’s military staff who served honorably for thirty or more years to apply directly to the Adjutant General to be placed on the retired list at one grade above the highest grade they ever held.

An Act Concerning Prescription Drug Benefits for Veterans in Nursing Home Facilities (Public Act 10-39) prohibits nursing home facilities from restricting patients from accessing prescription drug benefits offered through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

You can find the entire list of new laws, along with descriptions and legislative history by visiting www.cga.ct.gov and clicking on “New Legislation Effective October 1, 2010.”

As always, I urge constituents to contact me with their questions and concerns, or to discuss issues that are important to Connecticut. You can reach me toll free at 800.842.1421 or via email at [email protected].