Connecticut House Bill HB06269

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/11
• Refer: 2/1/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Availability Of Accident Records Of The State Police.

Impact

This legislation is intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the Department of Public Safety's processes regarding accident investigations. By facilitating access to these records, the bill seeks to empower individuals involved in accidents with timely information that could be critical for legal and insurance purposes. The proposed changes may impact how the state police handle records management and public inquiries following accidents, ultimately allowing for more informed decision-making by those affected by such incidents.

Summary

House Bill 6269 proposes an amendment to section 29-10c of the general statutes, focusing on the availability of accident records compiled by the Division of State Police. The bill aims to ensure that records related to accidents, which are obtained or prepared during investigations by state police, are readily available to any individual involved in the accident. The key stipulation is that these records should be accessible after the issuance of a warrant or summons in any criminal action linked to the accident, or no later than thirty days following the accident itself, whichever happens first.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on improving access to public records, potential points of contention could arise surrounding privacy concerns. Some stakeholders may argue that making such records readily available could infringe on the privacy rights of individuals involved in accidents, especially in sensitive cases. Additionally, questions may be raised regarding the operational feasibility for the state police to comply with these new timelines, as this may require adjustments in their current systems and processes.