Almost 100 new laws went into effect in Connecticut at the start of the new fiscal year.
Many of those changes speak directly to the consumer, specifically when it comes to homemaker companions and student loans.
Connecticut has one of the highest student debt rates in the country, but borrowers can also find some forgiveness programs, depending on their chosen profession and whether they know where to look.
This year, the state’s office of higher education will send out informational material regarding two programs: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
That will make its way out to public service employers, who then have to pass it along to their employees.
Also changing this year: Home Care Agencies.
Anyone hiring a homemaker companion through a registry must receive, sign and give a liability waiver back to the registry before services begin, instead of within four days. Bona fide emergencies are an exception.
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From the state’s perspective, this measure should help make a usually stressful time a little more thorough.
"It’s really important (the) contract is in plain language, the notice is in plain language, and if it’s not and you don’t get the clarity you need, and you don’t know what’s going on, feel free to reach out to (the Department of Consumer Protection or DCP),” said DCP spokesperson Lora Rae Anderson.
That law, although signed by Governor Dannel Malloy in June, will take effect October 2017.
