New Laws Effective October 1

September 26, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. Please keep reading for information about a scam alert, news laws that will go into effect on October 1, and more!

New Laws Effective October 1

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!

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.

Click here for the complete list and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Perfect Voting Record and CEA Report Card

I'm proud to announce that I had a perfect voting record for the 2025 legislative session.

I am honored by this accomplishment because it means the voice of the 117th district was heard on every bill that was voted on.

As your state legislator, it is my job to consider bills and either offer support or dissent. I will continue to serve our community and advocate for you in Hartford.

I am also proud to announce that I received a score of 87.2% on the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) legislative report card. CEA releases a report card annually that grades legislators based on their voting history and support of the organization's priorities.

Education is vital tool in a functioning society. I will continue to fight on the behalf of our students and educators to ensure Connecticut schools remain strong institutions of learning.

Celebrations in the Community

Last weekend, I was able to check out several fun fairs and festivals, from Milford’s first Lobster Roll Festival to the Irish Festival and the 50th anniversary of the Orange Country Fair! Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make these events run smoothly.

Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day

Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention Day is a solemn reminder that trauma doesn’t end when the call does. Too many of our police officers and frontline workers silently carry the pain of what they’ve witnessed: the death of a child, the loss of a life they tried to save, the aftermath of devastating injuries.

That’s why, in 2024, we updated the law to ensure that any worker diagnosed with PTSD from such events can now qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Honoring their service means supporting their recovery.

Resources:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be especially helpful for first responders because they can address the unique issues they face. This is a confidential, 24/7 helpline staffed by Master's Level Clinicians with in-the-moment telephonic support and crisis intervention available. Support is a phone call away. This program can be accessed by calling 1-833-253-1129.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Northeast Public Health Collaborative Launched

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York City officially announced the formation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. This voluntary regional partnership aims to strengthen public health coordination, share expertise, and improve 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.

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is now accepting entries. Interested applicants must write an essay about their connection to Hispanic culture in 500 words or less. The contest is open to middle and high school students.

Essays must be submitted by October 31. Click here to learn more.

DRS Scam Alert

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 in order to receive the refund.

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.