New Laws Effective July 1, Construction Notice for Norwalk, and More!

June 27, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Although the legislative session is over, my work doesn't stop for our families. And as the Summer is officially here and the heat is on I want to wish you a fun, safe, and relaxing time with family and friends.

Please read below for information on new laws going into effect on July 1, the SONO Saturday Market, and more!

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

Construction Notice – East Wall Street

Attention Norwalk residents - Please be advised that construction is currently underway on East Wall Street as part of the City of Norwalk’s streetscape infrastructure improvement project. On-street parking will be limited or unavailable between Main Street and Brook Street, potentially affecting access to local businesses, including coals, Endless Creativity, Troupe429, Intoxify Beauty Bar, and the Norwalk Boat Club.

Alternative parking options are available in the following locations: 

  • Main Street Lot
  • Wall Street Lot
  • Yankee Doodle Garage
  • On-Street Parking (on High St ParkMobile Zone#2052)

Please visit parknorwalk.org for updates about the project.

SONO Saturday Market 

This Saturday, June 28th, the first SoNo Saturday Market of the summer will be held. Over 30 vendors & exhibitors will cover the lawn at 50 Washington for a fun day of shopping, snacks, music & outdoor fun for all!

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

City of Norwalk's Fireworks Celebration 

Get excited about the City of Norwalk's Fireworks Celebration at Calf Pasture Beach! Its scheduled for Thursday, July 3, 2025! The rain date is Saturday, July 5, 2025. Fireworks will begin around 8:55pm

Norwalk's own, DJ Nuzzo, will begin his set at 5:00 p.m. and then after the Fireworks show at 9:50 p.m. to encourage residents to stay and avoid the post-show rush. Connecticut's own Soul Amazing will be the concert performers from 7:15pm to 8:45 p.m.

  • Ripka's Beach Cafe will be open all day. Food trucks will be located at Shady Beach.
  • Resident Parking is free! Parking will be available at Shady Beach, Taylor Farm or Marvin Elementary School (paper pass required). We recommend that you check that your vehicle is on the City's grand list to avoid a fine.
  • If your vehicle is not on the grand list, please email a copy of your vehicle registration to residentpass@norwalkct.gov. The Tax Town must list Norwalk or you will have to complete a change of address through the DMV website (available to be completed online) to a Norwalk residence. Pass requests will be available till 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd.
  • Non-Resident Parking is $72 and you must pay through ParkMobile app (Zone: 2035). There will be a fine of $150 for non-payments. Non-residents are ONLY permitted to park at Calf Pasture Beach (non-resident lot) or Taylor Farms. No parking is permitted at Shady Beach or Marvin Elementary School.
  • The following are not allowed at Calf Pasture/Shady Beach: dogs, tents, hammocks, glass bottles.

Dog License Renewal 

Attention dog owners - you have until the end of the month to renew or register your furry friend's dog license. I just renewed our pup's license online and it was quick and easy!

All dog licenses must be renewed for 2025, and any new dogs over six months of age or currently unlicensed must also register at this time. 

No license may be issued unless a valid rabies certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian and including the date of the vaccination and duration of immunity, is presented to the town clerk.

Click here to learn about the registration process in Norwalk.

Click here to learn about the registration process in Westport. 

Survey for Norwalk Residents

Attention Norwalk residents and business owners - the City of Norwalk and Redevelopment Agency (RDA) have created a survey to gauge interest in developing a Business Improvement District (BID). A business improvement district could potentially increase resources and investment in downtown Norwalk.

Click here to access the survey. It should take about 10 minutes to complete. 
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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