Lezlye Zupkus

New Laws Oct. 1

Hartford - Several new state laws will go into effect on October 1 and may be important to you, your family or your business. Our priority remains protecting public safety, supporting our veterans, and keeping state government accountable to taxpayers. Key legislative updates include: Enhanced Road Safety & Fines: Starting October 1, drivers face tougher penalties for certain violations. Distracted driving is now expanded to drivers who watch videos on their phones, and drivers who violate storm travel bans face an increase of fines to $250, among other changes. E-Bike Guidelines ( P.A. 26-24 ): Establishes an exact 750-watt motor limit for e-bikes, restricts Class 2 bikes on natural-surface paths without local authorization, and excludes dirt bikes and ATVs from e-bike classifications. Expanded Dental Care for Veterans ( P.A. 26-35 ): Under the Hero Act, eligible veterans can receive up to $3,000 per year for dental care. Consumer Privacy Safeguards ( P.A. 26-64 ): Among other changes, it prohibits a streaming video service from transmitting to a consumer commercial advertising audio that is louder than the video it accompanies, consistent with FCC regulations; makes violations a CUTPA violation. All new laws can be viewed by clicking here .

Rep. Zupkus Joins Republican Colleagues to Unveil Plan to Address Affordability

HARTFORD - Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, R-Prospect, recently joined her Republican colleagues in Hartford for a press conference focused on making Connecticut more affordable. House and Senate Republicans are answering the calls from families and businesses who paying far too much for just about everything, and they presented their plan on how to address it at the state level. The Senators and Representatives are pushing for wide-ranging financial relief that they believe residents will benefit from, including: Eliminating the public benefits charge on electric bills Reducing the income tax Lowering health insurance premiums Eliminating the Highway Use Tax to lower costs of everyday products Providing relief at the gas pump by halting gas taxes for a year People work very hard for their money, and shouldn't have to watch more and more of it disappear into taxes, fees and rising costs, according to Zupkus. It's time to make affordability a priority for Connecticut families, and Rep. Zupkus pledged to keep fighting for exactly that in Hartford.

Rep. Zupkus and Sen. Rob Sampson to Hold Post-Session Legislative Discussion in Cheshire

CHESHIRE – Residents are invited to attend a post-legislative session with State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) on Wednesday, August 19 at the Cheshire Town Hall. The update will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is an opportunity to connect with the veteran lawmakers for a conversation about the 2026 legislative session and ask questions about any issues they wish to discuss, including proposed bills, the state budget and any other legislative concerns. WHEN : Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. WHERE : Cheshire Town Hall (84 S. Main St., Cheshire) Residents who are unable to attend but would like to voice a concern are urged to contact their legislators in the House at 800-842-1423 or Senate at 800-842-1421 or by emailing lezlye.zupkus@housegop.ct.gov

Tax-Free Week Starts on Aug. 16

HARTFORD - With the start of school just around the corner, Rep. Lezlye Zupkus is informing residents that Connecticut will once again offer a tax-free sales week on many items and this year the list of eligible items has expanded. From Sunday, August 16 through Saturday, August 22, you can shop for most clothing and shoes under $300 without paying state sales tax. It’s perfect for families stocking up on back-to-school clothing, or anyone who wants to add to their wardrobes. Backpacks and other items are now eligible for this week as well. Every bit of savings helps, and this is a great chance to keep more money in your pocket while supporting our local businesses! More details can be found here .

Rep. Zupkus and Sen. Rob Sampson to Hold Post-Session Legislative Discussion in Prospect

PROSPECT – Residents are invited to attend a post-legislative session with State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Sen. Rob Sampson (R-16) on Monday, August 10 at the Prospect Town Hall. The update will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event is an opportunity to connect with the veteran lawmakers for a conversation about the 2026 legislative session and ask questions about any issues they wish to discuss, including proposed bills, the state budget and any other legislative concerns. WHEN : Monday, Aug. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. WHERE : Prospect Town Hall (36 Center St., Prospect) Residents who are unable to attend but would like to voice a concern are urged to contact their legislators in the House at 800-842-1423 or Senate at 800-842-1421 or by emailing lezlye.zupkus@housegop.ct.gov