HARTFORD, CT – A number of new laws will go into effect on Saturday, July 1, many of which will largely affect the life of an average citizen.

High school graduation requirements, Internet safety, pretrial justice, universal preschool and administering prescriptions for opioids are just a few facets of life in Connecticut that will see changes starting this month.

Here are 10 new laws that take effect July 1, with a brief summary of what they mean for residents:

Pretrial Justice Reform

These reforms target adults accused of committing misdemeanors who are unable to afford money bail and languish in jail for weeks or months. This situation often creates deteriorating conditions where those being held are unable to earn a paycheck to support themselves and their families. The new legislation:

• Ends the practice of “cash only” bail, where defendants are prohibited from using a surety to post bail
• Prohibits judges from setting money bail for misdemeanor charges unless they find the defendant is charged with a family violence crime, is likely to fail to appear in court, is likely to obstruct justice or presents a danger to the community;
• Reduces the time for those being held in jail pretrial between a first and second court appearance for misdemeanor charges from 30 to 14 days

A study of the feasibility of establishing a state bail fund for indigent defendants will also be conducted, with a report due on January 1, 2018.

Minors And Opioids

High School Graduation Requirements

Out-Of-School Suspensions

Tax Credits For Agricultural Products

Qualifications For Early Childhood Educators

Digital Citizenship, Internet Safety and Media Literacy Advisory Council

Gifted and Talented Students

Universal Preschool

Municipalities and Watershed Properties