Some new laws are now in effect in Connecticut, including one about home contractors. More types of home contractors will now have to register with the state Department of Consumer Protection as home improvement contractors.
Until now, residential restoration companies have been unregulated in Connecticut. Under the new law, anyone performing water, fire or storm restoration or mold remediation on a private residence or residential rental property will now have to register as a contractor and pay the department $220 annually. Of that $220, $100 is deposited in a state fund that reimburses customers - up to $15,000 per claim - who are unable to recover losses they suffered from a registered contractor who failed to fulfill a contract valued at more than $200.
Connecticut's State Building Code will now refer to an updated symbol of access for people with disabilities, which shows a dynamic figure leaning forward with a sense of movement. Under the new law, the new symbol must be used in all applicable buildings constructed, substantially renovated or expanded after January 1st. The legislation also replaces the word "handicapped" with "reserved" on parking signs, which currently read "handicapped parking permit required" and "violators will be fined."
Another part of the Act Concerning Opioids and Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs is now in effect.
The overall law puts a seven-day cap on prescriptions for opioid drugs. The bill also requires municipalities to train all first responders on the use of Narcan, a drug that may reverse an opioid overdose.
The portion of the law that took effect Sunday prohibits certain health insurance policies that provide prescription drug coverage for Narcan from requiring prior authorization for these drugs. It applies to individual and group health insurance policies delivered, issued, renewed, amended, or continued in Connecticut that cover either basic hospital expenses; basic medical-surgical expenses; major medical expenses; hospital or medical services, including those provided under an HMO plan; or single ancillary services such as prescription drugs.
