Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00813

Introduced
1/26/11  
Introduced
1/26/11  
Refer
1/26/11  

Caption

An Act Establishing A Pilot Program Using Civilian Volunteers To Assist In The Enforcement Of State And Municipal Laws Concerning Parking For Persons With Blindness And Persons With Disabilities That Limit Or Impair The Ability To Walk.

Impact

If enacted, SB 813 would allow selected municipalities to recruit civilian volunteers who would assist in monitoring and reporting violations of established parking regulations for handicapped spaces. This collaboration between community members and law enforcement could potentially lead to a more efficient enforcement mechanism, enhancing the protection of parking rights for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it may relieve some burdens on police forces by integrating community involvement into regulatory practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 813 aims to establish a pilot program utilizing civilian volunteers to enhance the enforcement of state and municipal laws concerning parking regulations for individuals with blindness and disabilities that impede mobility. The program's primary objective is to improve compliance with handicapped parking statutes and to promote better accessibility for those with impairments. This initiative involves collaboration between the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and local police departments from selected municipalities that choose to partake in the program.

Contention

The proposal might generate discussion regarding the effectiveness of civilian oversight in law enforcement and the potential implications for the roles traditionally held by police officers. Some concerns may arise about the adequacy of training and supervision for these volunteers, as well as their capacity to deal with potentially confrontational situations during enforcement activities. Critics may express apprehension over the use of volunteers in a capacity that could lead to legal disputes or tensions within the community, particularly relating to nuanced situations requiring law enforcement discretion.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00279

An Act Concerning Certification For Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities And The Membership Of The Accessible Parking Advisory Council.

CT HB05288

An Act Aligning State Law With Federal Law Concerning Service Animals.

CT SB00183

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Motor Vehicles And Concerning Low-speed Vehicles, The Towing Of Occupied Vehicles, School Buses, Electric Commercial Vehicles, The Passenger Registration Of Pick-up Trucks And Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities.

CT SB00312

An Act Concerning A Janitorial Work Program For Persons With A Disability And Persons With A Disadvantage.

CT HB05328

An Act Concerning Automated Traffic Safety Enforcement In Work Zones And Municipalities.

CT HB05330

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Transportation And Concerning Capital Projects, Notice Of Proposed Fair And Service Changes, The Connecticut Airport Authority, Automated Traffic Safety Enforcement, Road Safety Audits, Parking Authorities, A Shore Line East Report And The Submission Of Reports And Test Results Regarding Impaired Driving.

CT SB00111

An Act Concerning Home Energy Assistance.

CT HB05474

An Act Concerning Municipal Approvals For Housing Development, Fines For Violations Of Local Ordinances, Regulation Of Short-term Rentals, Rental Assistance Program Administration, Notices Of Rent Increases And The Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan And Grant Fund.

CT HB05483

An Act Establishing And Transferring Various Functions To A Division Of Fire Services Administration Within The Department Of Emergency Services And Public Protection, Revising The Powers And Composition Of The Commission On Fire Prevention And Control And Establishing A Working Group.

CT SB00423

An Act Improving Highway Safety By Prohibiting Driving While Ability Impaired And Studying Methods To Detect Cannabis-impaired Driving.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.