Legislative Update 9.27

September 27, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1, including an update to our motorcycle and e-bike laws that reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads. 

I've included a section below where you can find the new laws going into effect in a few days.

There's more in this week's newsletter, including information on a text message scam aimed at CT Taxpayers. I wanted to share it right away.

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Manny.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Manny Sanchez

State Representative
New Laws Taking Effect on Wednesday

A new law raises the age requirement for motorcyclists to wear a helmet from 18 to 21 and increases the age limit for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards from 16 to 18 years old.

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 exceeding 3,500 watts (capable of speeds of 35 mph or higher) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.

Another measure prohibits the handcuffing of children under the age of 14, except in cases where there is a clear threat to public safety or when the child poses a risk of physical violence toward an officer.

This law is intended to mitigate the traumatic impact that the use of restraints can have on young children. All new laws effective on October 1st can be found HERE. 
 
Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) 

I am excited to share this wonderful opportunity for Connecticut high school seniors!

The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) guarantees automatic admission to students with strong academic records. This program waives the application fee, student essays, and recommendation letters for participating institutions.
 
Seniors with a 3.0 weighted GPA or a 2.75 unweighted GPA can apply to 10 participating public and private colleges with a single free application.
 
Participating colleges and universities include:

  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Albertus Magnus College
  • Goodwin University
  • Mitchell College
  • University of Bridgeport
  • University of Hartford
  • University of New Haven

 For more information and application instructions, please click HERE.
 
Northeast Public Health Collaborative Formed 

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York City officially announced the formation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, aimed at strengthening public health coordination, sharing expertise, and improving preparedness across state lines.

 

The Collaborative’s shared purpose is to work together in new ways – optimizing the use of shared resources, innovating and reimagining core services – to ensure trust in public health, respond to public health threats, advance community health, and strengthen confidence in vaccines and science-based medicine.  
 
DRS Scam Making the Rounds 

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting taxpayers to a new scam where scammers are impersonating the DRS by sending fraudulent text messages.

The texts fraudulently claim that you are owed a tax refund from the DRS and require you to provide banking and other information to receive the refund.

The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or seek to obtain information from taxpayers via text.

Anyone who has information regarding a tax-related scam is urged to contact DRS by completing a referral form on the agency’s website.

Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach out to DRS by telephone at 860-297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by email at DRS@ct.gov.
 
Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Connecticut proudly honors the legacy of the 65th Infantry Regiment — The Borinqueneers. 

These brave Puerto Rican soldiers served our nation with courage and distinction. Our new commemorative license plate ensures their sacrifice is remembered on every road across our state.   

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