New Laws October 1st, DRS Scam, and more

September 26, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

I hope this message finds you and your family well!

In this week's email, find information on new Connecticut laws that take effect next week, on October 1st, learn more about a Department of Revenue Services scam alert, and find state and local resources I hope you find useful. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please call my office at any time. 
 

New Laws October 1st
 

With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1. Below is a brief overview of some of these important changes!

We’ve updated our motorcycle and e-bike laws to reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads.

A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.

New regulations are also being introduced for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them. Additionally, e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.

There is also good news for drivers  - a new law is changing how towing works in our state, making it harder for cars to be towed from private property and easier for people to get their cars back if they are towed. Right now, state law lets towing companies start the process of selling a towed car worth $1,500 or less just 15 days after the tow, which is one of the shortest timelines in the country. That means if you don’t act fast, your car could be gone for good. The new law doesn’t change that 15-day starting point, but it adds more steps before a car can actually be sold. Now, tow companies have to make a real effort to contact the car’s owner and can’t finalize the sale until 30 days after the tow. 

Follow the link below for the complete list, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
New Laws October 1st, 2025
 

Department of Revenue Services Scam Alert

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting taxpayers to a new scam where scammers are impersonating the DRS by sending fraudulent text messages. The texts fraudulently claim that you are owed a tax refund from the DRS and require you to provide banking and other information in order to receive the refund.

The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or seek to obtain information from taxpayers via text. Anyone who has information regarding a tax-related scam is urged to contact DRS by completing a referral form on the agency’s website.

Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach out to DRS by telephone at 860-297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by email at DRS@ct.gov.
 

BPS Enrollment Center

Bridgeport Public Schools' Enrollment Center is now open! Families can get one-on-one support, multilingual services and get help with student placement, health referrals, and more. Make an appointment at CT State Housatonic (900 Lafayette Blvd) or online now at https://ow.ly/Lzn050X0XHf
 

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Andre Baker

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