Legislative Update 6.26, New Laws Effective July 1st

June 26, 2025



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Dear Neighbor,

Relief from the recent heatwave is on the way! It's summertime in Connecticut. You know how it goes.

This time of year usually means new laws are about to settle in, and they will be on Tuesday, July 1st. I have highlighted important bills that will take effect. I've included the complete list as well. 

That we couldn't get some legislation across the finish line related to affordable housing and the protection of striking workers was disappointing.

As vice chair of the labor committee, I gave it my all on the latter. I would not be a good representative of that role or the 46th district if I didn't.

The good news is I will continue to fight for what's right and for the people of this state. I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter.

As always, if I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at 860-240-8585 or email me at Derell.Wilson@cga.ct.gov.


Sincerely,

Derell Wilson
State Representative 


 
New Laws Effective on Tuesday, July 1st 

Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session take effect next Tuesday, July 1. 

Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget takes effect on Tuesday. 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 on Tuesday. 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 on Tuesday, 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 Effective July 1st

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!
 
Immigration: Know Your Rights 

The National Immigration Law Center provides practical advice for addressing immigration-related actions in the workplace.

This guide explains:

  • The most common immigration actions affecting employers
  • Recommendations for how employers can prepare
  • Employers’ rights and responsibilities
  • What employers can do after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action

Click HERE to read the guide in its entirety.

If you or someone you know is at risk of deportation, make a plan. Make the Road Connecticut offers guidance and resources in English and Spanish. To learn more, please click HERE.
 
CT Tourism

Hot days, cool drinks, baseball, and barbecues are popular staples during the summer,, but Connecticut, from one end of the state to the other, offers so much more.

Connecticut is home to 110 state parks, 32 state forests, 29 state campgrounds, 117 state boat launches, and 4 coastal state beaches that provide a number of recreational opportunities, along with many other attractions and nationally ranked restaurants.

Two new trails guide visitors on some of the more unique experiences the state has to offer, including the Connecticut Oyster Trail and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Later this year, the state will officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.

The best way to explore tourism destinations and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website HERE.

There's more.

Litchfield County was ranked as one of the best places to go in 2025, and Mystic Seaport Museum was the “#2 Best Open-Air Museum” for the second consecutive year.

Hungry?

Several CT chefs and restaurants have gained national recognition, including chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic capturing the world-renowned James Beard Award for best chef in the northeast, and several others named semifinalists, including Renee Touponce of Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic who was nominated in the outstanding chef category, and Coracora in West Hartford nominated for outstanding restaurant.

Seasons change quickly. With all that it has to offer, summertime in Connecticut is one you don't want to miss.
 
Beware: Travel Scams

As you make plans to travel this summer, it is important to stay alert, especially when it comes to scams targeting travelers like you.

There is a rise in fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist travelers with passport and visa documentation. These sites charge users fees to access application forms, which are free through the official U.S. Department of State website.

These sites aim to collect your private and personal information and charge unnecessary fees.

As you make plans to travel this summer, it is important to stay alert, especially when it comes to scams targeting travelers like you.

There is a rise in fraudulent websites posing as legitimate services offering to assist travelers with passport and visa documentation. These sites charge users fees to access application forms, which are free through the official U.S. Department of State website. These sites aim to collect your private and personal information and charge unnecessary fees.
How to spot these scams:

  • Be cautious of third-party sites with URLs that do not end in ".gov"
  • Avoid advertisements that promote "fast results" or "shortcuts" for obtaining your passport or visas

Make sure you are planning ahead of your trip by researching official passport processing times directly through the U.S. Department of State, and give yourself plenty of time to obtain your documentation before your scheduled trip to avoid looking for a fast solution and becoming a victim of one of these scams. If you come across a suspicious website, report it to the Federal Trade Commission HERE.

Keep you and your family safe while traveling this summer by staying informed and aware of any potential scams. Safe travels!
 
CT State Library Suggested Summer Reading List 

Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. 

The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level Up at Your Library, an all-ages summer reading program.

The suggested list is just that, suggested! The list has been created with accessibility in mind, and its guidance matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists. 

Click here to access the list.
 
Pride Month Highlight

In Connecticut, Trans rights are not up for debate…they’re protected.
 
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