New Laws, The Gathering, and Hispanic Heritage

October 1, 2025

With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws that we passed during the 2025 legislative session that took effect on October 1. Please read below for a breakdown of some of the important changes!

The 10th Annual Gathering showcased everything our amazing city has to offer! Make sure to keep scrolling to see pictures from this award-winning multicultural celebration held last weekend!

I hope you are enjoying Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues for another 15 days. I'll show you how we are celebrating and honoring our lineage.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • New Laws Effective October 1
  • The 10th Annual Gathering
  • Celebrating Our Hispanic Heritage 

 
 

New Laws Effective October 1

I want to highlight a number of new laws that hit the books on October 1. Below, you will find a brief overview of several measures we passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Safety Updates on E-Bikes and Motorcycles


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.
 
The state will introduce new regulations 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.
 

Empowering Police to Tackle Street Takeovers

 
New rules will take effect allowing police to increase penalties and fines for street racing and takeovers. Towns will be empowered to destroy confiscated vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini motorcycles. Additionally, anyone with at least three violations could get their license suspended for two years.
 

Protecting Our Seniors

 
New legislation will protect our seniors by improving safety and transparency for those who are taking care of our loved ones. Long-term care facilities will be required to run background checks on criminal history and patient abuse for employees and volunteers. Residential care homes must now provide more information in notices to residents before an involuntary transfer or discharge.
 
Please click on the link below for the complete list of new laws, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
New laws taking effect Oct. 1
 

The 10th Annual Gathering

It was inspiring to see so many people sharing the passion for their respective countries at the 10th Annual Gathering last weekend. Downtown Waterbury was the site of a vibrant celebration filled with elegant dances, stunning musical performances, and delightful meals.

The Gathering united a diverse blend of cultures, traditions, and ethnicities that make up our city. Through music, food, art, and cultural showcases, this event highlighted the contributions of each group while promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect.
 

Celebrating Our Hispanic Heritage

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in addition to honoring generations of resilience and creativity.
Let’s uplift, honor, and keep making history together as our Hispanic and Latino American populations continue to grow in Waterbury and the rest of the state.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinos continue to have in the U.S. We help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

Last month, I joined the governor, my colleagues, and friends to raise the flag of Puerto Rico at the State Capitol. This ceremonial gathering stands as a visible symbol of the state's recognition, pride, and unwavering support for our community. It was an honor to celebrate the culture and contributions of Boricuas here in Connecticut.

The celebration took place ahead of the Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival del Coqui. I was proud to participate in that vibrant, annual tradition, honoring the rich heritage of my fellow Boricuas in Connecticut while bringing different generations together. Seeing and feeling so much passion, excitement, and unity on the streets filled my heart with joy.