In this column I often discuss the pressing issues facing the General Assembly in Connecticut, and how they impact us in Shelton and Stratford.  However, this week I want to take the opportunity to share some of the minor laws that just went into effect on October 1.

Over 140 new laws went into effect as of October 1— with topics ranging from pets to guns to parking spaces.  The General Assembly deals with a large spectrum of issues that impact our daily lives in ways big and small. Writing about each of them would take reams of paper, though if you are interested you can find a complete list by accessing the Connecticut State Library website at www.cslib.org/psaindex.htm.

Some of these bills passed unanimously, others passed with heated debate.  I voted for some of these bills and against others, but I want to make sure that everyone is aware them now that they are the law of the land here in Connecticut.

• An Act Concerning The Protection Of Pets In Domestic Violence Cases (PA 07-78) allows courts to issue protective orders for animals owned or kept by victims of family violence, stalking or harassment.

• An Act Concerning the Illegal Use Of Handicapped Parking Spaces (PA 07-52) increases the fine for violating laws regarding the provision and use of handicapped parking spaces. Under prior law, a violation called for a minimum fine of $85. Under the new law, a first offense carries a fine of $150, while a subsequence offense carries a fine of $250.

• An Act Concerning Hospice Services (PA 07-23) requires newly licensed hospices – those seeking an initial license from the state Department of Public Health beginning January 1, 2008 - to provide hospice services in all settings and sets conditions on the use of hospice –related titles and terms.

• An Act Renaming The Department Of Mental Retardation (PA 07-73), which is now known as the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Changing the name does not change the criteria for determining eligibility for the department’s services. The new law does, however authorize the commissioner to determine how and when related administrative changes, such as revisions to business cards and stationary, occur.

• An Act Concerning Lost And Or Stolen Firearms And Illegal Firearms Trafficking (PA 07-163) establishes the crime of firearm trafficking and makes it a class B or C depending on the number of firearms involved. Someone who intentionally provides someone who cannot legally possess firearms access to his or her firearms is committing this crime. Antique firearms and long guns are excluded. Also, owners of any firearms, except antique firearms, are required to file a police report within 72 hours after they discover, or should have discovered, a theft. Prior law required that thefts of assault weapons be reported.

• An Act Concerning Penalties For Concealing Employment Or Other Information Related To Workers’ Compensation Premiums (PA 07-89) authorizes the state labor commissioner to issue stop work orders to employers who fail to obtain insurance or provide proof of self-insurance for workers’ compensation liability; intends to defraud or deceive their workers’ compensation insurers by knowingly misrepresenting employees as independent contractors, or providing other false information in order to pay lower premiums.

More information about these new laws, and others, are available at the General Assembly website at www.cga.ct.gov.  As always, I encourage you to contact me to share your concerns and ideas regarding all of the issues important to our state, especially those affecting our communities.

Dan Debicella is the State Senator representing Stratford, Shelton, Monroe, and Seymour.  If you have feedback for him or want to talk about the issues, he can be reached toll-free at (800) 842-1421 or by e-mail at dan.debicella@cga.ct.gov.