New CT Laws Target Seniors, Nonprofits, Emergency Gov't Powers

CONNECTICUT — As the 2021 Regular Session in Hartford winds down, a number of bills are hitting Gov. Ned Lamont's in search of his signature.

The governor signed Senate Bill 263, "An Act Reestablishing Club and Nonprofit Club Permits," into law on Thursday. The new legislation was crafted to reduce permit fees for non-profit clubs that been raised by the overhaul of the state's liquor statutes in 2019.

"I am glad that we were able to correct an inadvertent oversight that raised the cost of a liquor permit to $2,000 for our legions, VFW, and other clubs," said State Sen. James Maroney, who represents the 14th District. "These men and women served our country and are continuing to serve our community, and I am happy that we are able to provide them financial relief."

The law, which goes into effect immediately, brings the fee for private clubs, like veterans' organizations to $300, and non-profit clubs to $815. The legislation will allow for an adjustment to the annual fee for the prior holders of club permits and nonprofit club permits and allows the Department of Consumer Protection to refund anyone who paid the difference.

Lamont also signed Senate Bill 817, "An Act Concerning Senior Centers and Senior Crime Prevention Education," on Thursday. The new law mandates that local municipalities appoint an agent for elderly people in the community. That person will be responsible for helping the seniors apply for federal and other benefits, as well as ensuring they are aware of the programs. The advocate will also liaise between the town's senior community and elected local officials, and the Department of Aging and Disability Services regarding any challenges the local elderly community might be facing.

The legislation also directs the state's Court Support Services Division develop a community response education program for neighborhoods that are home to sex offenders. The aim of the program will be to assist senior centers and other facilities serving or housing senior citizens in such neighborhoods, parents and children to learn how to better protect themselves from sexual abuse and sexual assault. The law is effective Oct. 1.

To the surprise of no one, the governor signed House Bill 6686, "An Act Concerning the Declaration and Renewal of Civil Preparedness and Public Health Emergencies by the Governor," when it hit his desk Thursday as well. That's the legislation that extends Lamont's pandemic authority until July 20. Executive orders flowing from the governor's pen have imposed limits on gathering sizes, forced some businesses to close and required masks in certain situations. Lamont has also issued orders for coronavirus testing, especially for high-risk populations in congregate settings. His emergency powers also gave flexibility to hospitals, nursing homes and first responders to change certifications to bring in more manpower to deal with the pandemic. The governor's emergency powers were originally set to expire after six months, but were extended in September and again in March as the pandemic dragged on.

As of Friday, the governor has signed 14 bills of the 2021 Regular Session.