New Laws, Community Events, and more

June 27, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

New Laws Effective July 1
Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session take effect on Tuesday, July 1. Please see below to read about some of them!

Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget takes effect July 1. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.

We approved billions of dollars to be used for school construction, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and many more local initiatives through our annual bond funding package.

Our students will soon learn about three essential topics in the classroom: civics, media literacy, and Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Under two bills passed in 2022 and 2023, students will gain an understanding of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, how to analyze the modern media landscape, and the rich history of the AAPI community in our state and the entire country.

Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public. 

A novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks will go into effect July 1. The bill bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.

Many more bills are going into effect July 1, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.

You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

New Laws July 1, 2025

As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol.
 

Major Public Acts Report
I wanted to share the 2025 Legislative Session Major Public Acts document with you. The document, composed by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) with assistance from the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), briefly describes the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in the 2025 regular session. You can click HERE to read the full OLR report, or click the graphic below. 

If you're interested in more information on bills that passed and didn't pass this legislative session, please click HERE.
 

MLK Scholarship Applications Closing Soon!
Let's not forget, the MLK Scholarship Application closes at the end of the month. Less than a week left to apply! Seeking scholarship applications from the Class of 2026! If you are dedicated to your community and your studies, apply before June 30 to be considered for a $25,000 scholarship. Open to New London County students. Reach out to The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund
 

New London Community Center
The dream of the New London Community Center became a reality because of the countless hands who made it possible — from city and state officials, to project leaders, passionate residents, the Chamber of Commerce, and so many others. This is what unity and partnership looks like.
 
And yes, there is a cost associated with access, and investment is needed. Let me be clear: "NO child" who lives in New London will be turned away because of their financial situation. Mechanisms are already in place to ensure every child has a fair chance to participate, play, and grow right here. That’s what equity looks like. 
 
So, as we cut this ribbon & bless the building let’s also cut through doubt, division, and delay — and fully embrace the kind of future we’re building here together.
 
Let’s fill these halls with laughter, learning, teamwork, and community pride.
 

Celebrating Rev. Wade Hyslop
I had the great honor to attend the 80th birthday celebration of Rev Wade Hyslop (Trinity Baptist Church).

Rev. Wade A. Hyslop Jr. embodies the powerful union of faith, public service, and community leadership. For over four decades, he has served as a spiritual anchor at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and a dedicated voice for justice in the Connecticut House of Representatives, where he served seven terms and as Deputy Speaker. A veteran, mentor, and champion for equity, Rev. Hyslop’s impact reaches far beyond titles—reflected in the lives he’s uplifted, the barriers he’s broken, and the unwavering integrity with which he has served. His legacy is one of faith in action, purpose-driven leadership, and a lifelong commitment to justice. Thank you for all you've done and do.....Peace & Blessings!
 

Discussing Fatherhood and Men's Health
Had an incredible time this week connecting with the brothers down at "The Place." We shared some deep and meaningful dialogue around fatherhood and men’s health. Another powerful gathering! Huge thanks to all the brothers who pulled up and poured into the conversation about wellness and self-care. Much respect to Xan Ferguson for his courage and openness in sharing his journey through adversity—and showing us what resilience truly looks like!
 

Family Block Party!
Had a great time at the Family Block Party Shiloh Development Corporation, Inc. Indoor/Outdoor games, Food & Fun, dance and fellowship
 

Haitian Hub Resource Center Visit
Thank you to the Haitian Hub Resource Center for the invite to hear from and speak with youth and young adults about being a State Representative for City of New London, Connecticut. The youth had some amazing dialog about laws - tough decision making, how I'm helping with policy in regards to youth, schools and how faith helps ground my purpose as a legislator. Looking forward to a field trip with y'all.
https://www.nlhaitianhub.org/
 

Clothing Giveaway and Resource Fair
Great to see events all over. I had a few minutes to stop by the clothing giveaway and resources fair at The Place on Garfield Ave. Thank you Ledge Light Health District Staff & friends who made this event so great.
 

New London NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner
Join us Sunday, June 29  from 6-9pm for a night of celebration and empowerment at the New London NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner!

This in-person event promises to be a night filled with inspiration, community, and delicious food. Come together with fellow advocates and supporters to honor our shared commitment to justice and equality. Your presence at this dinner helps support the important work of the NAACP in our community. Let's come together to make a difference and celebrate our shared values. 

Keynote Speaker Ronnell A. Higgins Commissioner, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, State of Connecticut

We are honored to welcome Commissioner Higgins, a distinguished leader in public safety and community engagement, as our keynote speaker.

Award Honorees
  • Dr. Aram deKoven Chief Culture and Climate Officer (formerly), U.S. Coast Guard Academy
  • Dr. Stanley Beckford Academic Advisor, Three Rivers Community College
  • Chief David Burton Chief of Police, Groton City Police Department

Join us as we recognize these outstanding individuals for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to education, equity, and community service.
 

HCA Rising Summer Program
Do you know a New London County student entering grades 6–9 (for the 2025-2026 academic year) who has an interest in science, health, and wellness? Mitchell College is offering a special 2-week summer program just for them on campus, July 7–18, 2025. Students can sign up to attend July 7-11, July 14-18, or both weeks! Learn more and register at the link below!
 

Upcoming Local Events
 

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
 
Sincerely,

Anthony Nolan
State Representative
 

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