CT
Connecticut House Bill HB07139

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB07139

Introduced
2/22/17  
Introduced
2/22/17  
Refer
2/22/17  

Caption

An Act Concerning The Penalties For Obstructing Emergency Vehicles.

Impact

If enacted, HB 07139 would significantly impact state laws concerning public safety and the responsibilities of citizens regarding emergency services. By reclassifying willful obstruction as a felony, the law would signal to the public the serious nature of hindering emergency services. This legislative change could also influence law enforcement practices, as officers would have clearer grounds for taking strong action against offenders obstructing emergency services.

Summary

House Bill 07139 seeks to enhance the penalties associated with obstructing emergency vehicles in Connecticut. Currently, individuals who negligently obstruct emergency responders face minimal financial consequences. This bill aims to amend the existing statutes by increasing the penalties for willful obstruction from a simple fine to a class D felony. This change is intended to deter individuals from obstructing emergency vehicles and, thereby, enhance public safety by ensuring that first responders can perform their duties without interference.

Contention

Notable points of contention around the bill may arise regarding the extent of penalties for obstructive behavior. Some advocates may argue that classifying obstruction as a felony could lead to disproportionate penalties that could affect individuals in circumstances where they may not have intended to obstruct an emergency vehicle. The discussion might focus on balancing the need for strict enforcement with concerns over reasonable consequences for those who could inadvertently obstruct emergency responders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05204

An Act Concerning The Operation Of Low-speed Vehicles.

CT HB05279

An Act Concerning Authority To Declare That A Firefighter, Police Officer Or Emergency Medical Service Personnel Died In The Line Of Duty.

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 HB05327

An Act Revising Motor Vehicle Statutes Concerning Towing Occupied Vehicles And The Operation And Inspection Of School Buses.

CT SB00233

An Act Authorizing Use Of Steady Blue Lights On Wreckers.

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 SB00390

An Act Concerning Penalties For Certain Election Crimes.

CT HB05490

An Act Concerning The Sales And Use Taxes On Ambulance-type Motor Vehicles And Ambulances.

CT HB05485

An Act Concerning Transportation Infrastructure For Electric Vehicles.

CT HB05477

An Act Concerning Penalties For Blight Upon Real Property, Municipal Agreements To Fix Assessments And A Personal Property Tax Exemption.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.