State Capitol Update For The Week of September 26

September 26, 2025



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Dear Friend,

This is my State Capitol update for the week of September 26.

Click the image below to view my video on this week’s events.
 

Here’s a list of today’s topics: 

  • New Laws Effective October 1. Click here.
  • DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Click here.
  • Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Click here.
  • Northeast Public Health Collaborative Launched. Click here.
  • Hispanic Heritage Essay Student Essay Contest. Click here.
  • Northwest Corner Events. Click here. 

New Laws Effective October 1

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.

Click here for the complete list and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 25 from 10 AM - 2 PM. On this day, residents will be able to safely and securely dispose of unused or expired medications. Click here to find a drop-off site near you. 

If you are unable to attend on October 25, or if you're  looking for convenient disposal options throughout the year, MyOldMeds.com is a valuable resource. They  offer a free, easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 disposal sites across Connecticut.  

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program 

Income eligible individuals can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) starting October 1.
 
Connecticut's federally funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income households with winter heating bills. Connecticut's Department of Social Services administers the program with local Community Action Agencies and municipal social services departments.
 
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). The maximum income for households is as follows:

  • Households of one (1)   $47,764
  • Households of two (2)   $62,460
  • Households of three (3) $77,157
  • Households of four (4)  $91,854
  • Households of Five (5)  $106,550

Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease, or mortgage statements and other proof of income documents.

Click here to learn more.

Northeast Public Health Collaborative Launched 

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York City officially announced the formation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. This voluntary regional partnership aims to strengthen public health coordination, share expertise, and improve preparedness across state lines.

The Collaborative’s shared purpose is to work together in new ways – optimizing the use of shared resources, innovating and reimagining core services – to ensure trust in public health, respond to public health threats, advance community health and strengthen confidence in vaccines and science-based medicine.

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is now accepting entries. Interested applicants must write an essay about their connection to Hispanic culture in 500 words or less. The contest is open to middle and high school students.
 
Essays must be submitted by October 31. Click here to learn more. 

Northwest Corner Events

ICYMI 

The 49th Annual Kent Pumpkin Run will be held on October 26. Click here to register. 

Celebrate Connection and Creativity with Pilobolus on Saturday, September 27. Click here to register. 
 

It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.

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Sincerely,


Maria Horn
State Representative

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