State Rep. Greg Howard

09/29/2026

I just wanted you to know that several new laws will take effect on Thursday, October 1st, that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community.

One of the new laws is one: E-Bike Laws (P.A. 26-24):
• Under this new law, Class 2 bikes now face restrictions on natural-surface non-motorized paths, unless a local ordinance permits it.
• The motor word cap is also adjusted, changing from fewer than 750 watts to not more than 750 watts. What this means is it expands the legal limit to include an exact 750-watt motor instead of capping the limit at 749 watts. This new law also writes out dirt bikes and ATVs from the e-bike definition.

A list of the new laws that will take effect, along with summaries, can be found here: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/content/aeauto.asp

09/25/2026

My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of CT DOT employee, Elvin Hernandez.

CTDOT Employee Elvin Hernandez was hit and killed while doing road maintenance work on Interstate 95 in Fairfield this morning. Our entire agency is heartbroken by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who loved him. More: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/09-2026/governor-lamont-mourns-the-death-of-ctdot-employee-elvin-hernandez?language=en_US

09/13/2026

Giving K9 Boss #9028 his final salute 🫡 Thank you for your service, Boss. Connecticut owes you a debt of gratitude. 🙏 

DANIELSON, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut State Police announced Saturday afternoon that one of its K9 troopers died. K9 Boss #9028 out of Troop D in Danielson was described in a social media post …

09/11/2026

On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. We remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost, the families left behind, and the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary Americans who ran toward danger to help others.

Twenty-five years later, we pause to remember, to honor, and to reflect on the unity and courage that followed.

We will always remember.

09/02/2026

I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) and being named one of the legislature's Affordability Champions.

Connecticut’s small businesses and employers are the backbone of our economy. When we support the business community, we’re supporting the workers, families, and communities that depend on those jobs.

I’ll continue working to make Connecticut more affordable and business-friendly, so our employers can grow, create good-paying jobs, and provide more opportunities for Connecticut families.

08/13/2026

I’m pleased to share that Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week is returning with expanded savings for families.

This year, I supported expanding the program to make it more useful for hardworking families across our state. At a time when the cost of just about everything has gone up, finding practical ways to leave more money in your pocket is more important than ever.

This year’s improvements include raising the tax-free threshold from $100 to $300 per eligible item, including backpacks for students heading back to school, and adding cleated shoes, along with most clothing and footwear.

During Sales Tax-Free Week, qualifying clothing, footwear, backpacks, and cleated shoes priced under $300 per item will be exempt from the state sales tax. These savings apply whether you shop in person or online from Connecticut retailers.

Read details here: https://portal.ct.gov/drs/sales-tax/sales-tax-free-week

08/12/2026

I am saddened by the passing of former Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. She dedicated decades of her life to serving the state of Connecticut, and her commitment to public service leaves a lasting legacy.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. May she rest in peace.

https://ctmirror.org/2026/08/12/former-lt-gov-nancy-wyman-dies-at-80/

08/11/2026

Protecting our environment should not be a partisan issue. Some of our most important work in the General Assembly happens when we put politics aside, work together, and find bipartisan solutions that protect our natural resources and our beautiful shoreline.

That is why I was happy to find out that I received a 100% rating from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for my legislative record.
As a legislator representing Stonington, North Stonington, and Ledyard, I’m proud to work across party lines to protect our clean water, open spaces, forests, coastline, and the natural resources that make Eastern Connecticut such a special place to live. 🌳🌊

I appreciate CTLCV recognizing that commitment. There’s plenty we can disagree on, but protecting Connecticut’s environment is something we can — and should — work together on.

08/06/2026

A new state law prohibiting law enforcement from being within 250 feet of an election site without permission from state election officials, except in specific narrow exceptions, is causing frustration among some police chiefs and lawmakers.

Non-compliance with the law is now classified as a Class C felony.

“This is a direct shot at law enforcement officers,” said Rep. Greg Howard, a Stonington Republican who opposed the bill. “It’s a direct effect on the municipality because it creates a real problem for police officers to do their job in these locations. Departments across Connecticut can’t fill their ranks, and every session they hand officers one more reason to hang it up. Then they wonder why recruitment and retention is a crisis.”

Farmington Police Chief Paul Melanson said that law enforcement being threatened with a felony charge is concerning, saying it has a “chilling effect.”

Read story here:

“This is a direct shot at law enforcement officers,” said Rep. Greg Howard. “It creates a real problem for police officers to do their job in these locations.”

06/08/2026

State Rep. Greg Howard gave some remarks at the Tourism Coalition Legislative Wrap Up Friday morning. He also spoke to the Executive Director Frank Burns of the Connecticut Tourism Coalition.