Several new laws take effect in Connecticut today. One extends certain benefits to veterans who were were discharged under conditions other than honorable or for bad conduct and have a qualifying condition, which means a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury or a military sexual trauma experience.  Under prior law, these benefits were only available to veterans who were honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service.

E-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products must now be kept behind the counter in Connecticut.  A new law took effect today that prohibits sales through self-service displays.  There is an exception for establishments that prohibit minors from entering.  Existing law, unchanged by the act, prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

A ban on bump stocks is among the new laws.  It is now punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine, for anyone to sell, purchase, possess or manufacture a device that enables a gun to fire like an automatic weapon. The new law includes some exceptions, such as for certain military personnel.