The 2021 legislative session brought significant changes to “the land of steady habits.” Here are a few of the major laws that will shape Connecticut’s future.
Legalizing Marijuana
Marijuana possession became legal for adults 21 and older on July 1. The bill, which was passed in a special session, also established a framework for a recreational marijuana market (with those most impacted by the war on drugs getting preference for licenses in the industry), erases criminal convictions for certain marijuana offenses, and includes provisions to step up enforcement of drugged drivers.
A total of $26.3 million in new tax revenue is expected to be generated by the state in the first full year of legal marijuana sales. That includes the 6.35% state sales tax, a state cannabis tax, and the municipal cannabis tax. That number is expected to grow to $73.4 million in the 2025-2026 budget year.
Sports Betting
In an effort to boost state revenues and help casino employment rebound, sports betting and online casino games and lottery sales will now be legal. Connecticut, which will be among six other states with online gambling, allows any adult physically in the state to gamble 24/7 on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The law will take effect in the fall, and the state will collect taxes of 18% initially on online casino gambling, increasing to 20% after five years, and 13.75% on sports betting and fantasy sports. Projected revenue for the state: $28 million in this fiscal year and increasing in the future.
Criminal Justice Reform
Lawmakers passed bills that automatically expunge criminal records for certain convictions and limit the length of time inmates can be put in solitary confinement.
Additionally, incarcerated people can now be considered members of the voting districts where they lived prior to imprisonment. This was a key year for this bill to pass because it will have an impact on the once-a-decade redistricting process set to begin later in 2021.
Budget
For the first time in five years, lawmakers also passed a bipartisan budget that doesn’t increase taxes.