Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for June 20, 2025

June 20, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session take effect on Tuesday, July 1. Please see below to read about some of them!

Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget takes effect July 1. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.

We approved billions of dollars to be used for school construction, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and many more local initiatives through our annual bond funding package.

Our students will soon learn about three essential topics in the classroom: civics, media literacy, and Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Under two bills passed in 2022 and 2023, students will gain an understanding of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, how to analyze the modern media landscape, and the rich history of the AAPI community in our state and the entire country.

Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public. 

A novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks will go into effect July 1. The bill bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.

Many more bills are going into effect July 1, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.

You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
New Laws Effective July 1

As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol!
 

Hot Weather Protocol

Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state's Extreme Hot Weather Protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, June 25.

This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated.

The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location for those in need of relief.

Cooling centers are available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org.

Please continue to take care.
 

What to Do if Immigrations Shows Up

The National Immigration Law Center provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace.

This guide explains:

  • The most common immigration actions affecting employers
  • Recommendations for how employers can prepare
  • Employers’ rights and responsibilities
  • What employers can do after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action

Visit bit.ly/NILC_Guide to read the guide in its entirety.

If you or someone you know is at risk of deportation, make a plan. Make the Road Connecticut offers guidance and resources in English and Spanish. Visit maketheroadct.org.
 

Dog License Renewal

Attention dog owners - you have until the end of the month to renew or register your fury friend's dog license.

All dog licenses must be renewed for 2025, and any new dogs over six months of age or currently unlicensed must also register at this time. No license may be issued unless a valid rabies certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian and including the date of the vaccination and duration of immunity, is presented to the town clerk.

Click here to learn about the registration process in Norwalk.
 

Norwalk Police Impersonator

The Norwalk Police Department is investigating several reports of a scam involving an individual impersonating a Norwalk Police Officer. The caller falsely claims that the recipient has missed a court appearance and must pay a fine immediately. In at least one instance, the impersonator used the name “Jason Wilson”. This individual is not a Norwalk Police Officer.

Please Note: the Norwalk Police Department will never call or solicit money for missed court appearances or any legal matter. The calls are fraudulent.

If you have received a call like this or become a victim of this scam, report it by contacting police dispatch at 203-854-3113.

Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Norwalk Police website at: www.norwalkpd.com
Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing "NORWALKPD" into the text field, followed by the message, and sending it to TIP411 (847411)
 

Tuesday Night Open Jam

The Tuesday Night Open Jam at Freese Park is back, starting June 24 and continuing every Tuesday through Aug. 25. 

The event, sponsored by the Department of Recreation and Parks, goes from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy/sing or play along with the music of Smokin' Charlie house band. You can even bring your own band and equipment. 

More details on the flyer below.
 

Avoid Travel Scams

As you make plans to travel this summer, it is important to stay alert, especially when it comes to scams targeting travelers like you.

There is a rise in fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist travelers with passport and visa documentation. These sites charge users fees to access application forms, which are free through the official U.S. Department of State website. These sites aim to collect your private and personal information, and charge for unnecessary fees.

How to spot these scams:

· Be cautious of third-party sites with URLs that do not end in ".gov"

· Avoid advertisements that promote "fast results" or "shortcuts" for obtaining your passport or visas

Make sure you are planning ahead of your trip by researching official passport processing times directly through the U.S. Department of State and give yourself plenty of time to obtain your documentation before your scheduled trip to avoid looking for a fast solution and becoming a victim of one of these scams. If you come across a suspicious website, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Keep you and your family safe while traveling this summer by staying informed and aware of any potential scams. Safe travels!
 

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative

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