New Laws Effective October 1, Essay Contest for Middle and High School Students, and More!

September 26, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. 

Please read below for information on new laws that will take effect on October 1, a Hispanic Heritage Essay contest, and more! 

New Laws Effective October 1, 2025

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.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program 

Income eligible individuals can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) starting October 1.
 
Connecticut's federally funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income households with winter heating bills. Connecticut's Department of Social Services administers the program with local Community Action Agencies and municipal social services departments.
 
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). The maximum income for households is as follows:

  • Households of one (1)   $47,764
  • Households of two (2)   $62,460
  • Households of three (3) $77,157
  • Households of four (4)  $91,854
  • Households of Five (5)  $106,550

Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease, or mortgage statements and other proof of income documents.

Click here to learn more.
 

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with energy bills, CEAP is one of many other options for relief. Eversource has a plan for every situation, including:

  • Matching Payment Program
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Winter Protection
    • If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.
  • An Electric Bill Discount

To learn more about these programs and apply, click here. 

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. 

Free Nature Walk at Cranbury Park

Join Norwalk Recreation and Parks for a FREE Nature Walk at Cranbury Park on Saturday, October 25.  Explore native plants, identify trees, and spot local wildlife with expert arborist Sarah Cruz and the Recreation & Parks staff. There will be two sessions - the first will run from 10 AM - 10:45 AM and the second will run from 11 AM - 11:45 AM.

Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Hospitality Roundtable

Join the Greater Norwalk Chamber & the Economic Development team for a Hospitality Roundtable at the historic Norwalk Inn & Conference Center next Wednesday, October 1, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Click here to RSVP. 

Norwalk ACTS Quarterly Convenings

Norwalk ACTS will hold the first Quarterly Convenings on Tuesday, September 30 at the Stepping Stones Museum.

These meetings bring together community leaders, educators, and residents to collaborate on several issues, including:

  • Early Childhood Development
  • Social Emotional Health
  • College and Workforce Readiness

Click here to learn more and RSVP.

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 programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Parks Master Plan Public Workshop

The Westport Parks and Recreation Department will hold a Public Workshop Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Komansky Room at The Westport Library.

The purpose of this workshop is to invite community members to take part in shaping the future of Westport’s parks.
 
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will facilitate the session, which will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.

Chili Cook Off

VFW Post 399 is collaborating with American Legion Post 63 for a Chili Cook-Off. Attendees will be able to try several types of chili and vote on their favorite. The event will be held on October 18th from 6 PM - 8 PM. Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Flu Shot Clinic 

The Norwalk Health Department will host weekly flu shot clinics starting on October 2. The Flu shot is a safe and easy way to protect yourself this season. Click here or on the graphic below to make an appointment. 

Fair season is in full swing in Connecticut. Get your fill of fantastic food, fun rides and other great entertainment. Many also showcase local businesses and organizations, crafts, exhibits, local oysters and craft beers, and other things unique to our great state!

There are a few upcoming events in our community: 

  • The 8th Annual Westoberfest Craft Beer & Family Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4. Click here for more information.
  • The American Legion Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 11. Click here to learn more.

Click here for a list of upcoming fairs in the state. 

The City of Norwalk will hold a mattress and box spring recycling collection on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00-12:00 PM at 15 South Smith Street in Norwalk. This free collection program recycles mattresses and box springs through the City’s partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council’s Connecticut Bye Bye Mattress Program.

This program is only open to Norwalk residents. All mattresses and box springs must be dry and intact.

Unacceptable items include:

  • Severely damaged, twisted, wet, frozen, or soiled mattresses.
  • Mattresses infested with bed bugs or other living organisms.
  • Sleeping bags, pillows, cushions, loose bedding, mattress pads or toppers, etc.
  • Car beds.
  • Juvenile products, i.e., carriage, basket, stroller, crib bumper, etc.
  • Water beds.
  • Camping or air mattresses.
  • Fold-out sofa beds.
  • Futons for furniture.

For additional information about the program, click here.  

For questions, contact the Customer Service Center at CustomerService@norwalkct.gov or (203) 854-3200. 
 

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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