Several new laws to take effect this year

WILLIMANTIC — In the new year, several laws are set to take effect, from health insurance policies to housing policies.

Each year, new laws and policies take place on January 1 and October 1.

Housing policy changes

Some major housing laws were passed in the recent legislative session. These new laws come as the state’s homelessness continues to rise and providers said this has continued for the fourth year in a row.

The housing bill, H.B. 8002, is continuous and is a modified version of H.B. 5002, which Governor Ned Lamont vetoed during the 2025 legislative session. Lamont said he wanted to get local leaders on board with the measure.

In mid-November, lawmakers passed H.B. 8002 during a two-day special session, which Lamont signed into law on November 26.

Under the new law, the state bans what is called “hostile architecture” in public spaces. This means that designs such as arm rails between benches prevent people from sleeping there.

By January 1, towns in the state must submit plans to increase the number of housing in each of their zip codes.

This includes the goals for the units they will add and the required zoning. The new law also provides for the number of fair rent commissions in the state.

In Mansfield, a number of apartments have opened in the Forner Corners, with more under construction throughout the area.

The Town of Lebanon is also building 34 units of age-restricted 55-and-older housing on Route 2 at Scott Hill Road.

Health insurance changes

Starting in the new year, insurance carriers will not be allowed to require step therapy for specific diagnoses.

What insurance carriers call step therapy requires patients first to try lower-cost treatments before the insurer pays for higher-priced or new medications.

With the new law, people in the state with multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis will be covered under this new policy.

The step therapy under the new law will continue to be prohibited for people with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This is after a previous ban was set to end in 2027.

Driver’s license applications

In the new year, those starting behind the wheel will be subject to new guidelines. Those who have a learner’s permit under the existing law were required to take an eight-hour course before getting their driver’s license. Under the current law, students could take the course either in person or through distance learning.

Under the new law, which takes effect on January 1, anyone taking the class remotely must keep their camera on. Driving schools can now charge up to $200 for the class, up from the previous limit of $150.

Minimum wage increase

The start of the new year means an increase in the minimum wage. For the new year, Connecticut workers will see the minimum wage increase by $0.59, from $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour.

Connecticut has the fourth highest minimum wage in the country.

This new minimum wage increase was signed by Lamont in 2019.

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