Here Are Numerous New CT Laws That Can Change Your Life Beginning Now

A broad package of new Connecticut laws takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, marking one of the most consequential sets of statutory changes in recent years. The measures span housing production, worker protections, public safety, health care access, environmental policy, and election administration, reflecting priorities lawmakers advanced during the 2025 legislative session.

Many of the laws were signed earlier this year and delayed to January to allow state agencies, municipalities, employers and residents time to prepare.

Below is an overview of some of the most significant and closely watched changes now becoming law.

Housing And Land Use

Affordable Housing Appeals Process Changes

A major housing package approved in 2025 takes effect Jan. 1, adjusting local zoning requirements, planning standards and affordability benchmarks intended to increase housing production statewide.

The law modifies municipal housing plan requirements and updates standards tied to the state’s affordable housing appeals process. Supporters say the changes are designed to address Connecticut’s persistent housing shortage, while critics argue they weaken local control.

Solar Panel Rights in Condos and HOAs

A new law will allow homeowners in planned communities and condominiums to install solar panels even if restricted by associations.

Labor And Employment

Minimum Wage Increase to $16.94 Per Hour

Connecticut’s minimum wage rises to $16.94 per hour on Jan. 1 as part of the inflation-indexing mechanism adopted in 2019. The increase applies automatically under the law and reflects changes in the federal employment cost index. Tipped wage rates will also adjust accordingly.

Expanded Paid Sick Leave Coverage

The same 2019 law continues its phased expansion of paid sick leave, reducing the employer size threshold and extending coverage to more workers beginning in the new year. Employees may use paid sick leave for illness, medical care, or certain family-related needs.

Health Care and Insurance

Mandatory Coverage for Biomarker Testing

Health insurers regulated by the state must begin covering medically necessary biomarker testing used to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions for certain conditions.

Supporters say the law modernizes insurance coverage standards and aligns them with advances in personalized medicine.

Expanded Limits on Step Therapy Requirement

The same law, PA 25-16, expands restrictions on so-called “step therapy,” limiting when insurers may require patients to try less expensive treatments before accessing prescribed medications.

The provisions apply to additional medical conditions beginning in 2026.

Elections And Government Transparency

Election Administration Updates

New election laws modify absentee ballot procedures, municipal election administration rules, and enforcement authority for election officials.

State election officials said the changes are aimed at improving clarity and consistency ahead of future election cycles.

Agriculture and Tax Policy

Farm Tax Credits and Property Tax Exemptions

Connecticut farmers receive expanded tax relief in the new year, under a new law increasing the property tax exemption for eligible farm machinery and creating new business tax credits.

State officials said the changes are intended to support the agricultural sector and preserve working farmland.

Public Safety And Corrections

Correctional Facility Transparency and Oversight

New reporting requirements take effect for state correctional facilities, including disclosures related to use-of-force incidents and certain medical care issues.

The law also reinforces the state’s prohibition on private ownership or operation of prisons.

Environment and Energy

Extended Producer Responsibility for Batteries

Manufacturers of consumer batteries must begin complying with new collection, recycling and disposal requirements designed to reduce environmental and fire hazards.

The law establishes a statewide stewardship program overseen by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Climate Planning and Pesticide Restrictions

A broad environmental law strengthens climate planning requirements and restricts certain pesticides, including neonicotinoids and rodenticides, linked to environmental harm.

Provisions affecting climate accountability and chemical use take effect in stages, with several becoming operative Jan. 1.

Legal and Civil Process

Uniform Collaborative Law Act Adoption

On Jan. 1, Connecticut formally adopts the Uniform Collaborative Law Act, expanding the use of structured, non-adversarial dispute resolution in civil and family matters.

Supporters say the law promotes faster and less costly resolutions outside traditional litigation.

Health Care Provider Nondiscrimination Requirements

Beginning in the new year, health care providers may not discriminate against patients based on protected characteristics in the delivery of medical services under a new civil rights law.

Violations may be subject to enforcement actions under existing state statutes.

What Happens Next

State agencies are continuing to issue guidance, regulations and implementation timelines tied to the new laws. Municipalities and employers are also adjusting policies to comply with the changes.

Residents seeking details on how a specific law may affect them can review the full statutory language on the Connecticut General Assembly’s website or contact relevant state agencies for clarification.