Starting July 1, Connecticut will see the implementation of 93 new laws, some originating from as far back as the 2021 legislative session. These changes, taking effect with the beginning of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, span a wide range of areas—from education and energy policy to immigration and public safety—marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to governance.
A key initiative among the new laws is the expansion of special education programming in public schools. Complementing this is the creation of a new endowment fund that is expected, within a few years, to provide free daycare and preschool for families earning under $100,000. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on working families and improve access to early childhood education.
Another important policy shift comes in the form of energy savings. The state has introduced an adjustment to its energy policy, expected to reduce household electric bills by approximately $200 annually, with businesses poised to save even more.
Financial education is also receiving attention. Under the new laws, public high schools will now be required to include personal finance and financial literacy units in their curriculum. This move is aimed at better preparing students for real-world financial responsibilities.
In response to recent election controversies in Bridgeport, Connecticut will mandate that all local election officials install video surveillance on ballot drop boxes. This law seeks to improve transparency and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Changes in traffic law are also noteworthy. Police will no longer be permitted to stop vehicles solely for minor equipment violations, such as broken tail lights or faulty license plate lights. However, the same legislation clarifies law enforcement’s authority regarding cannabis use. Officers will be able to stop a motorist if they observe them using cannabis and can also detect its smell. This aims to maintain safety without encouraging unnecessary stops.
Libraries may also experience a significant transformation in the near future. A new law prohibits public libraries from signing or renewing contracts with eBook and audiobook publishers that restrict access, but only if other states with a combined population of 7 million enact similar legislation. This cooperative approach is intended to pressure publishers into offering fairer terms to public institutions.
In the realm of youth development, a grant program has been launched to benefit nonprofit organizations in economically distressed municipalities. This initiative, backed by the State Bond Commission, will help fund equipment, facilities, and supervisory staff for youth sports programs.
Public schools will now be required to assign a staff member to communicate with representatives from federal immigration agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Another law broadens the list of violent felons who may be subject to federal immigration enforcement. Simultaneously, it enables individuals to file lawsuits against municipalities that assist ICE in detaining and deporting individuals, highlighting a dual focus on compliance and civil rights.
Gun permit processing is also being streamlined. The responsibility for reviewing pistol permit applications in smaller towns will no longer fall on the chief elected officials but will instead be handled by law enforcement professionals, ensuring greater efficiency and possibly more consistent decision-making.
While many bills await Governor Ned Lamont’s final decision, one in particular has drawn controversy. Lamont has promised to veto legislation that would make striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits. Earlier this year, the General Assembly introduced 3,840 bills, with only 940 advancing past the committee stage. The House and Senate approved 258 bills requiring the governor’s signature. As of mid-June, Lamont had signed 64 bills and partially vetoed two. Typically, a governor reviews around 275 bills in a budget-setting session.
A standout component of this year’s legislative output is the Early Childhood Education Endowment. The state will allocate up to $300 million from its budget surplus to this fund, with a portion immediately available to the Office of Early Childhood. The goal is to expand access to preschool and daycare, increase staff salaries, and ultimately offer free programs for families earning less than $100,000. For those making more, the program aims to cap costs at 7% of income. Future surpluses are expected to grow the fund to $1 billion over time.
Public school funding is also set to increase. The state’s two-year, $55.8 billion budget includes additional education support for certain municipalities, while 80 towns will see their funding levels maintained. New laws will create special education grants based on the number of qualifying students in each district. The Department of Education will also be tasked with establishing standard rates for what special education providers can charge local boards of education.
On the campaign finance front, the State Elections Enforcement Commission (SEEC) will cut back the number of post-election audits of candidate committees to 20% of the 187 legislative races. SEEC meetings will now be live-streamed to enhance transparency. An attempt by legislators to exert more control over SEEC operations failed after Governor Lamont expressed strong opposition to compromising the commission’s independence.
Another legislative accomplishment involves eBook contracts for libraries. After years of complaints about high prices and restrictive lending terms, the new law would bar libraries from renewing or entering into unfavorable contracts once other states with a collective population of 7 million pass similar laws. This is intended to encourage publishers to agree to “commercially reasonable terms.”
The higher education system will also undergo reforms in response to previous mismanagement. Following reports about misuse of purchasing cards by former State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Terrence Cheng, the legislature enacted new regulations governing the use of state-issued cards and vehicles. Institutions will also be required to provide mandatory compliance training and hire a compliance officer by next January.
The state treasurer will launch a privately funded “safe harbor account” designed to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that offer reproductive or gender-affirming care. This includes covering expenses such as travel, lodging, and meals for those seeking such services.
In terms of public safety, communities with populations over 20,000 will now be permitted to adopt ordinances to destroy certain all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes seized during street takeovers. Municipalities are, however, required to make reasonable efforts to contact the rightful owners of stolen vehicles before destruction.
Tow truck operations will also face new restrictions. For nonconsensual towing, particularly in private apartment complexes, operators will be limited under new laws. These properties must post clear signs indicating parking rules. Meanwhile, tow companies handling highway or traffic-related cases will see an increase in permissible rates.
Connecticut is also taking steps to support its elderly population. A new law focused on reducing prescription drug costs introduces provisions to enhance transparency around rebates and ensures that patients receive credit for out-of-pocket and out-of-network drug costs. There will also be a feasibility study on importing medications from Canada and expanded capacity for the state to make bulk drug purchases.
With these wide-ranging changes, Connecticut aims to address pressing concerns in education, healthcare, public safety, and more—all while improving government transparency and efficiency.