Expanded hybrid tax credit among handful of new laws

DATELINE: HARTFORD Conn.

An expanded sales tax exemption for fuel-efficient vehicles and stronger standards for massage therapists in Connecticut are among new laws that take effect Jan. 1.

Under another new law, part of an effort to combat underage drinking, the state can require a bar or restaurant with a suspended or revoked liquor permit to enroll employees in an alcohol server training program.

Most of the new laws passed in the regular 2007 legislative session, including several that were part of a major energy reform bill that received mixed reviews from lawmakers.

Those include expanding a temporary state sales tax exemption for passenger cars that get at least 40 miles per gallon to all passenger trucks, vans and motorcycle with the same fuel efficiency. The exemption runs from Jan. 1 of this year to July 1, 2010.

"It's one of the most aggressive," said Rep. Steve Fontana, D-North Haven, co-chairman of the legislature's energy and technology committee. "I believe there aren't many states that have done what we've done."

As of Jan. 1, the state's secretary of the Office of Policy and Management must prepare a plan to encourage the use of biodiesel heating oil blends in state buildings and facilities.

Lawmakers hope such a law will kick-start the biodiesel industry in Connecticut.

They're hoping another new law will help ensure air conditioners continue whirring during hot summers.

The legislation gives the state's two main electric companies, Northeast Utilities and United Illuminating Co., until Feb. 1 to submit a plan to build power generation plants that could be used during peak periods of electricity use. Private companies will also be allowed to submit proposals.

Also on Jan. 1, a new rebate program will be established for residential electric customers who replace their old air conditioners with ones that meet federal Energy Star efficiency standards. The rebates range from $25 to $100 for room air conditioners, depending on the cost, and at least $500 for residents who replace a central air unit.

"This win-win program encourages residents to become more energy efficient and save money at the same time," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. The program runs until Sept. 1, 2008.

Despite such initiatives, Fontana said he is disappointed that lawmakers didn't do more last session to help combat rising fuel and electricity prices.

"It was such a tremendous opportunity that we had and I think we blew it," he said. "I just think that we missed an opportunity to do what people wanted us to do to get a handle on rates."

For much of the 2007 legislative session, there was a battle at the state Capitol over how best to help ratepayers.

Fontana said he expects the issue will come up again in the new legislative session, which opens Feb. 6. Meanwhile, proponents of the 2007 energy bill have said it will help keep prices stable.

Another new law that takes effect Jan. 1 aims to protect the image of the massage therapy industry. The new legislation requires a valid Connecticut license for any business that advertises as a massage therapist or uses terms such as "massage therapy" or "masseuse." The license number must be included in all advertising.

State Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, said the legislation is a response to raids on parlors and spas around the state where illegal activities such as prostitution, drug distribution and human trafficking have been discovered.

"This law will not only help to protect our neighborhoods, our children and our families from unlawful activities, it will help to safeguard the image of legitimate massage therapy businesses," Duff said.

Other new laws include:

Insurance companies must offer premium discounts to homeowners who prove they have installed permanent storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.

Administrative and criminal penalties are increased for cigarette distributors who sell or buy cigarettes below cost, so long as the intent is to injure competitors.

State weigh station personnel must maintain logs for each shift. The logs must include information such as the hours the station's open sign is illuminated and the number and types of citations issued.

People who've been denied health care coverage from their insurer and have exhausted all internal appeals will now have 60 days to file an external appeal with the state Department of Insurance. They previously had 30 days.

Each car or light-duty truck in the state's fleet must have a fuel efficiency rating in the top third of vehicles in its class. And between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, at least 50 percent of the state's purchased vehicles must be alternative-fueled, hybrid, electric or plug-in electric vehicles. It must be 100 percent starting Jan. 1, 2010.