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.
There is a new law that puts patients first and holds insurance companies accountable. This law allows the Connecticut Insurance Department to limit rate increases for insurers that have a track record of hiking costs, which will cap excessive premium hikes. Under this new law, insurers must treat mental health like physical health, enforcing real mental health parity. Those who don’t comply can face fines up to $625,000 and must publicly report how they’re doing.
The Firearm Industry Responsibility Act will take effect with new measures aimed at reducing gun violence and increasing accountability for the firearm industry. This new law allows civil lawsuits against gun industry members who fail to exercise reasonable control over the marketing, sale, and distribution of their products. This law closes permit loops to prevent individuals convicted of crimes in other states from being eligible for a firearm permit and applies to convictions within the last 8 years. Connecticut is recognized as having some of the strongest gun laws in the U.S., and this bill is seen as a significant step toward enhanced public safety and industry accountability.
New legislation to expand the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund will make important changes to the Firefighter Cancer Relief Program starting October 1st, 2025. This legislation expands the types of cancers covered to include skin cancer and reclassifies these illnesses as "occupational diseases" rather than personal injuries. Coverage under the program now extends to state firefighters serving at UConn and Bradley International Airport.
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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