New CT Laws That Go Into Effect Oct. 1

Here are some of the new Connecticut laws that take effect on October 1, 2024:

Juvenile Justice:

 •  Streamlined juvenile arrest and delinquency proceedings: This law aims to reduce the time it takes for juveniles to be processed through the justice system and to provide them with more appropriate services.

 •  More intensive responses to juveniles with serious repeated charges: This law creates new programs to help juveniles who have committed serious crimes, such as motor vehicle thefts, to stay out of trouble.

 •  Notification of local law enforcement if a resident fails a background check when trying to purchase a firearm: This law requires the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to notify local law enforcement if a resident fails a background check when trying to purchase a firearm.

Mental Health:

  • Bolstering Connecticut’s children’s mental and behavioral health system: This law takes steps to improve the delivery and accessibility of mental health services to children in Connecticut.

Health Care:

  • Requiring hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities to obtain a patient’s express written consent to an “intimate examination.” This law protects patients’ privacy and ensures that they are aware of the procedures that will be performed on them.   
  • Requiring UConn Health Center to develop a plan to establish an endometriosis data and biorepository program: This law will help researchers learn more about endometriosis and develop better treatments for this condition.

Public Safety:

  • Requiring the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Safety to notify local police chiefs when a resident fails a background check while attempting to buy a firearm: This law helps to keep guns out of the hands of people who are not allowed to have them.   

Technology:

  • Requiring dating apps to provide Connecticut users with safety awareness notifications before allowing the consumers on their platforms: This law helps to protect users of dating apps from being scammed or exploited.   

These are just a few of the many new laws that take effect in Connecticut on October 1, 2024. For a complete list of all new laws, please visit the Connecticut General Assembly website.