New Laws Take Effect & Beware of Texting Scam

October 1, 2025


Here are the sections in today's email:

  • New Laws Effective October 1
  • Texting Scam Alert
  • CT Joins Regional Health Partnership
 

New Laws Effective October 1

I want to highlight a number of new laws hitting the books on Wednesday, October 1. Below, you will find a brief overview of several measures we passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Safety Updates on E-Bikes and Motorcycles


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.
 
The state will introduce new regulations 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.
 

Empowering Police to Tackle Street Takeovers

 
New rules will take effect allowing police to increase penalties and fines for street racing and takeovers. Towns will be empowered to destroy confiscated vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini motorcycles. Additionally, anyone with at least three violations could get their license suspended for two years.
 

Protecting Our Seniors

 
New legislation will protect our seniors by improving safety and transparency for those who are taking care of our loved ones. Long-term care facilities will be required to run background checks on criminal history and patient abuse for employees and volunteers. Residential care homes must now provide more information in notices to residents before an involuntary transfer or discharge.
 
Please click on the link below for the complete list of new laws, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 
New laws taking effect Oct. 1
 

Texting Scam Alert

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting everyone of a new scam where criminals impersonate the DRS with fraudulent text messages. They claim that you are owed a tax refund and must provide banking and other information to receive the money.

The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or try to get your personal information via text. If you know of any other tax-related scams, please contact DRS by clicking here to complete a referral form on the agency’s website.

Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach DRS at DRS@ct.gov or by calling (860) 297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 

CT Joins Regional Health Partnership

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York City officially announced the formation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. This voluntary regional partnership aims to strengthen public health coordination, share expertise, and improve preparedness across state lines. 

The Collaborative’s shared purpose is to work together in new ways, optimizing the use of shared resources, innovating and re-imagining 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.