What's New | Articles & Press Releases
New Laws Set to Take Effect January 1, 2024
The turn of the calendar marks a new set of laws going into effect on January 1. There will be adjustments to the state’s minimum wage, new rules around artificial intelligence and personal data privacy, and early voting. To see a full list of laws taking effect January 1, visit the Connecticut General Assembly’s website.
Minimum Wage Increase
The state’s automatic minimum wage adjustment takes effect January 1, increasing that rate to $15.69. Under the 2019 law, the hourly minimum wage in the state will change every year in line with the Employment Cost Index, a national measure of inflation in the labor market. Additional minimum wage adjustments will occur every January 1. (Public Act 19-4)
Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, Connecticut will take steps to address personal data privacy. The law requires creation of an Office of Artificial Intelligence, and establishment of an AI task force and bill of rights. The law also requires Connecticut to examine the technology’s role and impact on state agencies.
Under the same measure, the state will also work to protect the data privacy of individuals, including in the case of targeted advertising. (Public Act No. 23-56)
Early Voting
Connecticut will now allow early voting days for primaries, general elections, and special elections. Under the law, every municipality will have to create at least one early voting location. Voters will have fourteen days of early voting in general elections, seven days ahead of primaries, and four days of early voting before special elections. (Public Act No. 23-5)
Increase of Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) will now be available to any employee covered by workers' compensation law. The current law limits benefits to certain first responders. The new law requires that, for benefits to accrue, a mental health professional must examine the worker and diagnose PTSI as a direct result of an event during employment, such as witnessing someone’s death or a traumatic physical injury. Any benefits must be granted less than four years after the qualifying event. (Public Act No. 23-35)
Minimum Wage Increase
The state’s automatic minimum wage adjustment takes effect January 1, increasing that rate to $15.69. Under the 2019 law, the hourly minimum wage in the state will change every year in line with the Employment Cost Index, a national measure of inflation in the labor market. Additional minimum wage adjustments will occur every January 1. (Public Act 19-4)
Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, Connecticut will take steps to address personal data privacy. The law requires creation of an Office of Artificial Intelligence, and establishment of an AI task force and bill of rights. The law also requires Connecticut to examine the technology’s role and impact on state agencies.
Under the same measure, the state will also work to protect the data privacy of individuals, including in the case of targeted advertising. (Public Act No. 23-56)
Early Voting
Connecticut will now allow early voting days for primaries, general elections, and special elections. Under the law, every municipality will have to create at least one early voting location. Voters will have fourteen days of early voting in general elections, seven days ahead of primaries, and four days of early voting before special elections. (Public Act No. 23-5)
Increase of Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) will now be available to any employee covered by workers' compensation law. The current law limits benefits to certain first responders. The new law requires that, for benefits to accrue, a mental health professional must examine the worker and diagnose PTSI as a direct result of an event during employment, such as witnessing someone’s death or a traumatic physical injury. Any benefits must be granted less than four years after the qualifying event. (Public Act No. 23-35)
