New state laws go into effect January 1

New handicap signs

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proposed changing the state’s current handicap parking sign, left, to a new design, right, to reflect the diverse community that uses handicap parking spaces. New handicap signs

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proposed changing the state’s current handicap parking sign, left, to a new design, right, to reflect the diverse community that uses handicap parking spaces. Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close New state laws go into effect January 1 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

Handicapped signs

The traditional blue-and-white “handicapped” signs will slowly but surely be replaced with a new logo, with a character in a wheelchair leaning forward, simulating action. The image will be shown on special license plates and rearview mirror hangers, as well as new or replacement parking-space signs. Instead of “handicapped,” the signs will read “reserved.”

Higher pay

Connecticut’s minimum wage will rise to $10.10 per hour, up from $9.60. The increase could affect earnings for about 200,000 lower-paid state residents, according to the Connecticut Association for Human Services.

Home improvement

Contractors engaged in water and fire-damage repairs, storm restoration and mold remediations will now have to register with the state Department of Consumer Protection.

More access to marijuana

Advanced practice registered nurses will now be able to certify patients for the state’s medical marijuana program.

Overdose protection

Drug stores will now sell anti-overdose drugs such as Naxalone without a prescription and health insurers that provide prescription coverage, must pay for it without requiring prior authorization.

Breast cancer screening

Connecticut health insurance policies must cover three-dimensonal mammograms, called breast tomosynthesis, including baseline mammograms for women aged 35 and 39, plus annual mammograms for those 40 and older.

Ban the box

Employers will now be prohibited from asking job candidates about their history of arrests, criminal charges or convictions, except for jobs requiring a security or fidelity bond and for certain employers required by state or federal law to ask.

Juvenile detention

The new law establishes a maximum amount of time — seven days — a juvenile may be held in criminal detention. After a review, a renewal period may not exceed seven days. Courts may also impose alternatives to detention based on a new risk-assessment protocol. Also, the state Office of Policy and Management must track and analyze recidivism rates for children.

Family support magistrates

The governor will now nominate and the General Assembly approve nine family support magistrates to serve five-year terms. Prior law allowed the governor to make direct appointments, without legislative approval, to three-year terms.

kdixon@ctpost.com;