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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!
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There is 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.
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.
Follow the link below for the complete list and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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The next Veterans with Disabilities Task Force meeting is Wednesday, October 22 from 10:00 A.M. to Noon in the Old Appropriations Room (3rd Floor) of the State Capitol (210 Capitol Ave, Hartford).
Please bring your questions and ideas on how we can propose legislation that better supports and improves the lives of our brave veterans.
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The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting everyone of a new scam where criminals impersonate the DRS with fraudulent text messages. They claim that you are owed a tax refund and must provide banking and other information to receive the money.
The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or seek to obtain information from taxpayers via text. If you have information on a tax-related scam, contact DRS by completing a referral form on the agency’s website.
Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach out to DRS at 860-297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by email at DRS@ct.gov.
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| Your Guide to Peak Fall Foliage |
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Now that fall has arrived, Connecticut is about to glow with autumn color! 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!
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The Halloween Costume collection is back! All costumes donated will be handed out to children in need of one at the 2025 East Hartford Fall Festival on October 4. They can also use the costumes at the 2025 Trick or Treat Trail on October 25! Costumes must be clean and in new or gently-used condition.
Drop off at Parks & Recreation Office located at the EH Community Center (50 Chapman Place, Basement Level).
Monday-Wednesday: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Thursday: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Friday: 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
Donations will be taken until October 2 so that they can be sorted ahead of time.
If you have any questions, please call 860-291-7160.
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The Annual Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4, from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., at the East Hartford Town Green (1047 Main Street). Fall Fest is one of the Town’s largest events, averaging over 2,000 participants the past few years and there is always loads of fun activities for the entire family to keep you busy celebrating the autumn season all afternoon.
Entry to the event is free. However, there is a $5 fee for visitors that provides an unlimited access to attractions, games and a pumpkin decorating activity that participants will get to take home.
The fall fest is the perfect family-friendly, community event that offers fun activities.
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There will be a whole new experience at the 2025 East Hartford Fall Festival this year. Stop by the Goodwin University table and sign up to "borrow" a person and sit and learn about their story at the first ever Human Library!
Welcoming, safe, and conversation-based, "borrowers" are encouraged to have thoughtful and respectful conversations with the Human Library, unjudge someone!
The Human Library will be from 11:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. at the Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4 at the Town Green (1047 Main St.).
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On Tuesday, October 7 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. come out to watch our EHHS students showcase their amazing talent for Tuesday Night Tunes with the East Hartford High School Jazz Combo and Jazz Band!
This is a FREE and family-friendly event at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place).
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The East Hartford Farmers' Market is open every Tuesday until October 28 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. with a mix of fresh and local produce, honey made from East Hartford hives, hot food and cottage food goodies, locally produced crafts, and more!
For eligible products, the East Hartford Farmers' Market accepts:
- SNAP and DOUBLE SNAP! (Stop by the Health & Human Services table to convert SNAP into Market Dollars)
- WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs benefits
Click here for more information.
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