New laws effective October 1 and a Texting Scam Alert

October 1, 2025


 


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!

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

  • Clifford Beers Benefit
  • New Laws
  • Texting Scam Alert
  • Fall Foliage Guide
  • Community Events

Clifford Beers Community Health Care Center 

I had the privilege of attending the Builders of Hope luncheon benefiting Clifford Beers Community Health Care Center. The event featured an inspiring keynote speech from Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education and former Connecticut Commissioner of Education. Dr. Cardona reflected on his journey from the classroom to Washington, offering thoughtful insights into the future of education policy. I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with him briefly about the changes underway in our nation's approach to education. It was a true pleasure to have his ear for a few moments.

Clifford Beers continues to make a powerful impact through its whole-istic model of care that addresses the physical, behavioral, and social well-being of children and families. From school-based mental health clinics to outpatient therapy for children and fatherhood engagement programs, staff are transforming lives by providing compassionate, comprehensive support where it's needed most.

New Laws Effective October 1

Here are a few of the upcoming changes starting October 1:

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.
Click here for complete list of New Laws 

Texting Scam Alert

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.

Your Guide to Peak Fall Foliage

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!

Community Events

Come together for Walk With Us to Prevent Suicide on Sunday, October 5 at Town Center Park in Hamden. Join our community to raise awareness, support those affected by suicide, and help fund prevention efforts. Your steps make a difference.

Check in time is 9:00 A.M. and the walk begins at 10:30 A.M.

Click here for more information and to register.

Join the Movement Community, a free eight-week, in-person group experience for people who are living with a life-disrupting loss on Sundays until November 16 at 10:30 A.M. in front of New England Brewing Company.

It combines movement—like walking, hiking, or biking—with intentional grief support, held in community with others who get it. Each group includes 15–20 grievers and is guided by a trained E-Motion Facilitator.

Click here for more information and to register.

Join me on Saturday, October 11 at 10:00 A.M. as I lead the Shore Line Trolley Museum Discover Short Beach walking tour and trolley ride.

Due to space constraints, this event is limited to 30 people, so we ask that your individual party not be greater than two. Click here to register.

You are not required to be a member of the Branford Historical Society to attend their events, unless otherwise noted. Please provide at least one of either your phone number or email address so that you may be contacted in the event of a cancellation or postponement.