A new year means new laws in Connecticut, ranging from a higher minimum wage to changes to what an employer may ask an initial job applicant.

Here are some of the highlights:

Minimum wage

The minimum wage will increase to $10.10 on Jan. 1. This is part of a three-year process that brought the figure up from $8.70.

"This is money that goes right back into the economy," said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. "When workers earn more money, businesses will have more customers. This is a modest increase that will give working families a boost while also having stimulative economic effects."

Unions and other groups have pushed for the wage to rise to $15, and while the legislature may discuss the measure, it doesn't appear likely to pass.

Parking signs

Beginning on Jan. 1, the state will use a new symbol to designate parking spots reserved for people with disabilities. The current sign shows a person sitting stationary in a wheelchair with the word "handicapped." The new sign shows a person in a wheelchair but leaning forward and on the move with the word "reserved." Disability advocates praised the change, even though it was a small one.

"Symbols and words have meaning in our society," said State Sen. Beth Bye, D-West Hartford. "When we change certain symbols and words, we help change and improve our understanding of the world around us."

'Ban the box'

In what has been referred to as "ban the box" legislation, employers won't be able to ask prospective employees about prior arrests, criminal charges or convictions on an initial job application unless they are required to do so under a state or federal law or if the job requires a security or fidelity bond. The bill passed by wide bipartisan margins in the House and Senate.

"This is a bill that allows people who have made mistakes in their lives to get in the door," said Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano. "They're not judged just by a simple application without the ability of their personality, their charisma, to come through."

3-D mamograms

Certain state health insurance policies will be required to cover 3-D mammograms beginning Jan. 1. Supporters say the 3-D mammograms are better able to detect cancer. A typical charge for a 3-D test is about $175, compared to about $120 for a traditional mammogram.

"We've heard a lot about mandates: 'We can't afford it,' and 'we have a deficit,' etc. I would argue that we already cover this. This is just a 3-D mammogram vs. a 2-D mammogram," said House Republican Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, who organized a press conference in May to support the legislation.

APRNs and medical marijuana

The state's medical marijuana program will see a minor change on Jan. 1, when advanced practice registered nurses will be able to certify patients to use the drug. Currently only physicians can do so.

APRNs have increasingly been given more authority under the law. In 2014, Malloy introduced legislation that allowed APRNs to prescribe drugs and treat patients independently after they've been licensed in the state for three years.