New laws in Connecticut in 2010
The work of legislatures in 2009 led to the enactment of 40,697 laws across the country,
many of which take effect January 1. In Connecticut, mandated insurance coverage for autism treatment and a higher minimum wage are among a handful of new state laws that take on the first day of the New Year.
Group health insurance policies are now required to cover the diagnosis of autism disorders — which can cost thousands of dollars — as well as behavioral therapy for children 14 and younger, certain prescription drugs, psychiatric, psychological and therapy services. Connecticut becomes the 15th state to pass such legislation, according to the national advocacy group Autism Speaks. More than 20 other state legislatures are expected to vote on similar bills this year. The minimum wage in Connecticut increases from $8 an hour to $8.25 an hour, the second part of a two-year increase passed by the General Assembly. Although the federal minimum wage will remain at $7.25 an hour, all state businesses must pay Connecticut’s higher wage.
Insurers and other entities in Connecticut are now prohibited from using a person’s history of taking prescription drugs for anxiety for six months or less as a factor when underwriting coverage. Violators of the new law will face up to $10,000 in fines for each offense.
That drug history can be used, however, if it arises directly from a diagnosis of an underlying medical condition.
Most offenses involving 16- and 17-year-olds may be adjudicated in juvenile court rather than criminal court. Juvenile cases involving serious felonies will still automatically be transferred to adult court, and prosecutors will still be allowed to ask juvenile court judges to transfer other cases to adult court.
