October is right around the corner. In addition to the beautiful foliage we're treated to statewide this time of year, we also expect new laws to kick in, too.
Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1, including an update to our motorcycle and e-bike laws that reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads.
Please see more details, including a list of all laws going into effect, below, as well as information about a new scam brewing, aimed at Connecticut taxpayers, from the Department of Revenue Services.
Have a great weekend!
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
A new law raises the age requirement for motorcyclists to wear a helmet from 18 to 21 and increases the age limit for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards from 16 to 18 years old.
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 exceeding 3,500 watts (capable of speeds of 35 mph or higher) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.
Another measure prohibits the handcuffing of children under the age of 14, except in cases where there is a clear threat to public safety or when the child poses a risk of physical violence toward an officer.
This law is intended to mitigate the traumatic impact that the use of restraints can have on young children. All new laws effective on October 1st can be found HERE.
The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) guarantees automatic admission to students with strong academic records. This program waives the application fee, student essays, and recommendation letters for participating institutions. Seniors with a 3.0 weighted GPA or a 2.75 unweighted GPA can apply to 10 participating public and private colleges with a single free application. Participating colleges and universities include:
Central Connecticut State University
Eastern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University
Albertus Magnus College
Goodwin University
Mitchell College
University of Bridgeport
University of Hartford
University of New Haven
For more information and application instructions, please click HERE.
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York City officially announced the formation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, aimed at strengthening public health coordination, sharing expertise, and improving 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.
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 to receive the refund.
Just so you know, 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.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, Connecticut proudly honors the legacy of the 65th Infantry Regiment — The Borinqueneers.
These brave Puerto Rican soldiers served our nation with courage and distinction. Our new commemorative license plate ensures their sacrifice is remembered on every road across our state.
Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of it:
Litchfield Hills / Northwest CT: tends to peak earlier, so early October is ideal there
Hartford & Central CT: mid‑October is often prime
Connecticut River Valley: the color can linger a bit, making it great in mid‑to‑late October
Coastal & Shoreline areas: later in October, sometimes up until Halloween
Click here for the full CT Fall Foliage Report so you know peak viewing times in each area of the state.
The CT Tourism Office has some great ideas on how to enjoy the season, click here for CT's Fall Foliage Road Trip Guide and links to hiking trails and click here for seven different CT Fall Foliage Drive Loops around the state and the peak times to take them.
Don’t miss your chance to soak in the season’s beauty!
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center's Sunday Farm Market is still going, and as always, admission is free! Check it out each Sunday this summer and pick up some great products and produce to support local agriculture. Our favorite vendors have returned, along with some new friends.
More information, including who you'll see as vendors in 2025, can be found HERE.
Please note: The market may move to the Farmhouse & Plaza during inclement weather and for fall festivals. The market may also close at 1 p.m. in inclement weather. Market admission is still free; simply let the gate staff know that you are here for the market!
