Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161
AN ACT CONCERNING TH E OPERATION LIFESAVE R PROGRAM,
TRANSPORTATION NETWO RK COMPANIES, PUBLIC ELECTRIC
VEHICLE CHARGING STA TIONS, THE USE OF COLORED A ND
FLASHING LIGHTS, ROA D AND BRIDGE DESIGNA TIONS, THE
ISSUANCE OF REMOVABL E WINDSHIELD PLACARD S, SNOW
REMOVAL SERVICES CON TRACTS, REPORTS BY T HE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSP ORTATION AND OTHER
TRANSPORTATION STATU TES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 13b-376 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) [There is established an Operation Lifesaver Committee which
shall be within the Department of Transportation for administrative
purposes only. The committee] The Commissioner of Transportation
shall establish and operate an operation lifesaver program designed to
reduce the number of accidents at railway crossings and to increase the
public awareness of railroad crossing hazards. [Said committee shall
consist of the Commissioner of Transportation or his designee, the
Commissioner of Education or his designee, and the Commissioner of
Emergency Services and Public Protection or his designee, and six
members appointed as follows: Two representatives of civic
organizations, one appointed by the president pro tempore of the Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 2 of 26
Senate and one appointed by the minority leader of the House of
Representatives, a representative of the railroad industry appointed by
the speaker of the House of Representatives, a representative of a
parent teacher association appointed by the majority leader of the
Senate, a representative of a local law enforcement agency appointed
by the majority leader of the House of Representatives and a local
government official appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
The Commissioner of Transportation shall serve as chairperson of the
committee. The committee shall meet at such times as it deems
necessary] The commissioner may enter into agreements with any
national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public safety
and providing education regarding railroad crossing hazards to
establish, operate and maintain the program.
(b) The [Operation Lifesaver Committee] Commissioner of
Transportation shall: (1) [Administer and operate the operation
lifesaver program; (2) establish committees to promote] Ensure the
Operation Lifesaver Committee, established pursuant to subsection (c)
of this section, guides and promotes the program on the local level;
[(3)] (2) educate the public with information designed to reduce the
number of accidents, deaths and injuries at railroad and at-grade
crossings; [(4)] (3) encourage state and local law enforcement agencies
to vigorously enforce the law governing motorist and pedestrian rights
and responsibilities; [(5)] (4) encourage the development of
engineering and safety improvements; [(6)] (5) encourage the
maintenance of railroad and at-grade crossings; [(7)] (6) if a national
nonprofit organization operates and maintains the program, require
such organization to submit an annual report regarding the status of
the program and make any recommendations regarding additional
goals or objectives of the program to the [General Assembly
implementing the purposes of the committee. The committee shall
annually review its progress and submit its findings and
recommendation to the joint standing committee of the General Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 3 of 26
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation]
Operation Lifesaver Committee; and (7) adhere to the goals and
objectives of the program.
(c) There is established an Operation Lifesaver Committee which
shall be within the Department of Transportation. The committee shall
consist of the Commissioner of Transportation or the commissioner's
designee, the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public
Protection or the commissioner's designee and the Commissioner of
Motor Vehicles or the commissioner's designee. The Commissioner of
Transportation or the commissioner's designee shall serve as
chairperson of the committee. The committee shall meet at such times
at it deems necessary.
(d) The Commissioner of Transportation may, within available
federal resources, make grants and otherwise administer funds to
public or private school systems to assist such school systems to
establish, operate or maintain an operation lifesaver training program.
The commissioner may apply for, receive and accept grants, gifts and
bequests of funds made available by any person, political subdivision
or entity, or any other agency, governmental or private, including the
United States or any of its agencies and instrumentalities, to carry out
the purposes of this section.
[(c)] (e) The Department of Transportation may adopt regulations,
in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to carry out the
purposes of this section.
Sec. 2. Section 14-270 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) The Commissioner of Transportation or other authority having
charge of the repair or maintenance of any highway or bridge is
authorized to grant permits for transporting vehicles or combinations Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 4 of 26
of vehicles or vehicles and load, or other objects not conforming to the
provisions of sections 14-98, 14-262, 14-262a, 14-264, 14-267a and 14-269
but, in the case of motor vehicles, only the Commissioner of
Transportation shall be authorized to issue such permits. Such permits
shall be written, and may limit the highways or bridges which may be
used, the time of such use and the maximum rate of speed at which
such vehicles or objects may be operated, and may contain any other
condition considered necessary by the authority granting the same,
provided the Department of Transportation shall not suffer any loss of
revenue granted or to be granted from any agency or department of
the federal government for the federal interstate highway system or
any other highway system.
(b) Any permit issued in respect to any vehicle, self-propelled
vehicle, or combination of vehicles or vehicle and trailer on account of
its excessive weight shall be limited to the gross weight shown or to be
shown on the commercial registration certificate or any commercial
registration certificate issued on an apportionment basis. A permit
granted under this section for a vehicle or load, greater than twelve
feet, but no greater than thirteen feet six inches in width and traveling
on undivided highways, shall require a single escort motor vehicle to
precede such vehicle or load. No escort motor vehicle shall be required
to follow such vehicle or load on such highways.
(c) Any permit issued under this section or a legible copy or
facsimile shall be retained in the possession of the operator of the
vehicle, self-propelled vehicle or combination of vehicles or vehicle
and trailer for which such permit was issued, except that an electronic
confirmation of the existence of such permit or the use of the special
number plates described in section 14-24 and any regulations adopted
thereunder shall be sufficient to fulfill the requirements of this section.
(d) (1) The owner or lessee of any vehicle may pay either a fee of
thirty dollars for each permit issued for such vehicle under this section Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 5 of 26
or a fee as described in subdivision (3) of this subsection for such
vehicle, payable to the Department of Transportation. (2) An
additional transmittal fee of five dollars shall be charged for each
permit issued under this section and transmitted via electronic means.
(3) The commissioner may issue an annual permit for any vehicle
transporting (A) a divisible load, (B) an overweight or oversized-
overweight indivisible load, or (C) an oversize indivisible load. The
owner or lessee shall pay an annual fee of nine dollars per thousand
pounds or fraction thereof for each such vehicle. A permit may be
issued in any increment up to one year, provided the owner or lessee
shall pay a fee of one hundred dollars for such vehicle or vehicle and
trailer for each month or fraction thereof. (4) The annual permit fee for
any vehicle transporting an oversize indivisible load shall not be less
than six hundred fifty dollars. (5) The commissioner may issue permits
for divisible loads in the aggregate not exceeding fifty-three feet in
length.
(e) (1) The Commissioner of Transportation shall adopt regulations,
in accordance with chapter 54, prescribing standards for issuance of
permits for vehicles with divisible or indivisible loads not conforming
to the provisions of section 14-267a.
(2) In adopting regulations pursuant to this section, the
commissioner shall allow for the issuing of a wrecker towing or
transporting emergency permit, provided such movement of a
wrecked or disabled vehicle by a wrecker with a permit issued
pursuant to this subdivision shall be in accordance with any
limitations as to highway or bridge use and maximum rate of speed as
specified by the commissioner.
(f) The provisions of subsection (d) of this section shall not apply to
the federal government, the state, municipalities or fire departments.
(g) Any person who violates the provisions of any permit issued Substitute House Bill No. 7140
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under this section or fails to obtain such a permit, when operating any
motor vehicle or combination of vehicles described in section 14-163c,
shall be subject to the following penalties:
(1) A person operating a vehicle with a permit issued under this
section that exceeds the weight specified in such permit shall be subject
to a penalty calculated by subtracting the permitted weight from the
actual vehicle weight and the rate of the fine shall be fifteen dollars per
one hundred pounds or fraction thereof of such excess weight;
(2) A person who fails to obtain a permit issued under section 14-
262 or 14-264 and who is operating a vehicle at a weight that exceeds
the statutory limit for weight shall be subject to a penalty calculated by
subtracting the statutory limit for weight from the actual vehicle
weight and the rate of the fine shall be fifteen dollars per one hundred
pounds or fraction thereof of such excess weight;
(3) A person operating a vehicle with a permit issued under this
section that exceeds the length specified in such permit shall be subject
to a minimum fine of three hundred dollars;
(4) A person operating a vehicle with a permit issued under this
section that exceeds the width specified in such permit shall be subject
to a minimum fine of three hundred dollars;
(5) A person operating a vehicle with a permit issued under this
section that exceeds the height specified in such permit shall be subject
to a minimum fine of one thousand dollars;
(6) A person operating a vehicle with a permit issued under this
section on routes not specified in such permit, shall be fined (A) one
thousand five hundred dollars for each violation of the statutory limit
for length, width, height or weight, and (B) shall be subject to a penalty
calculated by subtracting the statutory weight limit of subsection (b) of
section 14-267a from the actual vehicle weight and such weight Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 7 of 26
difference shall be fined at the rate provided for in subparagraph (G)
of subdivision (2) of subsection (f) of section 14-267a; or
(7) A person (A) operating a vehicle with an indivisible load and
violating one or more of the provisions of subdivisions (1) to (6),
inclusive, of this subsection shall be required to obtain a permit, or (B)
operating a vehicle with a divisible load and violating one or more of
the provisions of subdivisions (1) to (6), inclusive, of this subsection
shall be required to be off loaded to the permit limit.
(h) (1) If the origin, destination, load description, tractor
registration, trailer registration, hours of travel, number of escorts,
signs or flags of a vehicle with a permit issued under this section differ
from those stated on such permit or required by regulations adopted
pursuant to this section, a minimum fine of two hundred dollars shall
be assessed for each such violation.
(2) If the days of travel of a vehicle with a permit issued under this
section differ from those stated on such permit or the vehicle is
operated under a false or fraudulent permit, a minimum fine of one
thousand five hundred dollars shall be assessed for such violation in
addition to any other penalties assessed.
(i) A person operating a vehicle under a forged permit shall be
subject to a minimum fine of ten thousand dollars, in addition to any
other penalties which may be assessed, and such vehicle shall be
impounded until payment of such fine or fines, or until order of the
Superior Court. As used in this subsection, "forged permit" means a
permit for a nonconforming vehicle that is subject to the provisions of
this section, that has been falsely made, completed or altered, and
"falsely made", "falsely completed" and "falsely altered" have the same
[meaning] meanings as [set forth] provided in section 53a-137.
[(j) For the period beginning on July 1, 2016, and ending on June 30, Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 8 of 26
2017, the commissioner shall waive the amount of any fee increase
imposed under this section that took effect on July 1, 2016, for any
person who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that
(1) such increased fee affects a material term in a contract for services
that is in effect on July 1, 2016, or is subject to competitive bidding on
July 1, 2016, and (2) such person is a party to such contract or a
participant in such competitive bidding process.]
Sec. 3. Subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 13b-119 of the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective October 1, 2019):
(c) (1) No transportation network company shall permit an
individual to act as a transportation network company driver on its
digital network if such individual: (A) Has, during the three years
prior to the date of such individual's application to be a transportation
network company driver, (i) committed more than three moving
violations, as defined in section 14-111g, (ii) committed one serious
traffic violation, as defined in section 14-1, or (iii) had his or her motor
vehicle operator's license suspended pursuant to section 14-227b; (B)
has been convicted, within seven years prior to the date of such
individual's application, of driving under the influence of drugs or
alcohol, fraud, sexual offenses, use of a motor vehicle to commit a
felony, acts of violence or acts of terror; (C) is included in the state
sexual offenders registry or the United States Department of Justice
National Sex Offender Public Website; (D) does not possess a
Connecticut motor vehicle operator's license or a motor vehicle
operator's license issued by a reciprocal state; (E) does not possess
proof of registration for each motor vehicle such individual proposes
to use as a transportation network company vehicle; or (F) is not at
least nineteen years of age. For the purposes of this subsection,
"reciprocal state" means a state that permits transportation network
company drivers who possess a Connecticut motor vehicle operator's Substitute House Bill No. 7140
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license to provide a prearranged ride that originates in such state.
Sec. 4. (Effective from passage) The Commissioner of Transportation,
in consultation with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental
Protection and the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of
Governments, shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions
of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee
of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to
transportation. Such report shall (1) identify a possible route for a
multiuse trail to connect the Arrigoni Bridge in the city of Middletown
to the Farmington Canal Trail in the town of Cheshire via the city of
Meriden and the commuter rail station in the city of Meriden, (2)
recommend phases for the construction of such trail and estimate the
cost of each such phase, and (3) summarize any public comments
received by the Departments of Transportation or Energy and
Environmental Protection or the Lower Connecticut River Valley
Council of Governments concerning the report or the possible route for
such trail.
Sec. 5. Subsection (a) of section 14-290 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective
October 1, 2019):
(a) Motor vehicles in the custody and use of officers in the
performance of their duties shall be exempt from any traffic
regulations of any town, city or borough, including, but not limited to,
regulations concerning the payment of parking meters, and from the
provisions of this chapter and [of] chapter 246, so far as such
exemption is necessary for the effective enforcement of any of the
provisions of the statutes.
Sec. 6. Subsection (b) of section 14-279b of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage): Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 10 of 26
(b) As provided in subsection (b) of section 14-107, proof of the
registration number of the motor vehicle therein concerned shall be
prima facie evidence that the owner was the operator thereof, except
that, in the case of a leased or rented motor vehicle, such proof shall be
prima facie evidence that the lessee was the operator thereof. A
photographic or digital still or video image that clearly shows the
license plate number of a vehicle violating section 14-279 shall be
sufficient proof of the [identify] identity of such vehicle for purposes of
subsection (b) of section 14-107.
Sec. 7. Section 15-74b of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) No public service company shall construct or maintain any
overhead line or facility within the limits of a clear zone.
(b) (1) Immediately upon July 6, 1971, the executive director shall
establish clear zones, in accordance with regulations adopted by the
executive director, for all public airport runways, and shall establish a
list of priorities for the abatement or correction of encroachments
thereon by public service companies. (2) Subject to the availability of
funds, the executive director shall, from time to time, order the
relocation, removal or such other appropriate corrective action as the
executive director deems necessary to abate or correct such
encroachments on clear zones.
(c) Where overhead lines already exist within the limits of an
established clear zone, the executive director shall reimburse the
owner public service company for the cost of relocation, removal or
other corrective measures approved by the executive director. Funds
required for the implementation of this section shall be appropriated
from existing and future appropriations for state aid to airports in
accordance with procedures adopted by the authority pursuant to
section 1-121. Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 11 of 26
Sec. 8. (Effective from passage) Not later than January 1, 2021, the
Commissioner of Transportation shall submit a plan, in accordance
with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint
standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of
matters relating to transportation concerning the modernization of the
parking garages at the commuter rail stations in the municipalities of
Bridgeport, New Haven and Stamford. In developing the plan, the
commissioner shall address: (1) The flow of traffic inside and outside
each such parking garage; (2) access to other forms of transportation at
each such parking garage, including, but not limited to, public and
private bus and shuttle transportation services; (3) integration with
any plan adopted by the municipality where the parking garage is
located; (4) whether any interlocal agreements may need to be
executed regarding the modernization of each such parking garage; (5)
pedestrian access and safety; (6) needs created by the current and
anticipated use of each such parking garage by all types of vehicles
and pedestrians; (7) ways to incorporate new technologies at each such
parking garage; and (8) ways to maximize the amount of open space
around each such parking garage.
Sec. 9. Subsection (c) of section 16-19ggg of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective
October 1, 2019):
(c) No person shall park in a space equipped with a public electric
vehicle charging station, unless such person is operating a plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle or battery electric vehicle, as defined in section
16-19eee. Violation of this subsection shall be an infraction.
Sec. 10. Section 14-96q of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2019):
(a) A permit is required for the use of colored or flashing lights on
all motor vehicles or equipment specified in this section except: (1) Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 12 of 26
Motor vehicles not registered in this state used for transporting or
escorting any vehicle or load, or combinations thereof, which is either
oversize or overweight, or both, when operating under a permit issued
by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-270, as
amended by this act; or (2) motor vehicles or equipment that are (A)
equipped with lights in accordance with this section, (B) owned or
leased by the federal government, the state of Connecticut, or any
other state, commonwealth or local municipality, and (C) registered to
such governmental entity. When used in this section the term
"flashing" shall be considered to include the term "revolving".
(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, or such other person
specifically identified in this section, is authorized to issue permits for
the use of colored or flashing lights on vehicles in accordance with this
section, at the commissioner's or such person's discretion. Any person,
firm or corporation other than the state or any metropolitan district,
town, city or borough shall pay an annual permit fee of twenty dollars
to the commissioner for each such vehicle. Such fee shall apply only to
permits issued by the commissioner.
(c) A flashing blue light or lights [, including flashing blue lights,]
may be used on a motor vehicle operated by an active member of a
volunteer fire department or company or an active member of an
organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company who has been
issued a permit by the chief executive officer of such department or
company to use [such] a flashing blue light or lights while on the way
to or at the scene of a fire or other emergency requiring such member's
services. Such permit shall be on a form provided by the commissioner
and may be revoked by such chief executive officer or successor. The
chief executive officer of each volunteer fire department or company or
organized civil preparedness auxiliary fire company shall keep on file,
on forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of
members who have been authorized to use a flashing blue light or Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 13 of 26
lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate
the registration number of the motor vehicle on which authorized a
flashing blue light or lights are to be used.
(d) A green light or lights, including a flashing green light or lights,
may be used on a motor vehicle operated by an active member of a
volunteer ambulance association or company who has been issued a
permit by the chief executive officer of such association or company to
use such a light or lights, while on the way to or at the scene of an
emergency requiring such member's services. Such permit shall be on a
form provided by the commissioner and may be revoked by such chief
executive officer or successor. The chief executive officer of each
volunteer ambulance association or company shall keep on file, on
forms provided by the commissioner, the names and addresses of
members who have been authorized to use a flashing green light or
lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate
the registration number of the vehicle on which the authorized
flashing green lights are to be used.
(e) The commissioner may issue a permit for a flashing red light or
lights [, including flashing red lights,] which may be used on a motor
vehicle or equipment (1) used by paid fire chiefs and their deputies
and assistants, up to a total of five individuals per department, (2)
used by volunteer fire chiefs and their deputies and assistants, up to a
total of five individuals per department, (3) used by members of the
fire police on a stationary vehicle as a warning signal during traffic
directing operations at the scene of a fire or emergency, (4) used by
chief executive officers of emergency medical service organizations, as
defined in section 19a-175, the first or second deputies, or if there are
no deputies, the first or second assistants, of such an organization that
is a municipal or volunteer or licensed organization, (5) used by local
fire marshals, or (6) used by directors of emergency management.
(f) The commissioner may issue a permit for a yellow or amber light Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 14 of 26
or lights, including a flashing yellow or amber light or lights, which
may be used on motor vehicles or equipment that are (1) specified in
subsection (e) of this section, (2) maintenance vehicles, [as defined in
section 14-1,] or (3) vehicles transporting or escorting any vehicle or
load or combinations thereof, which is or are either oversize or
overweight, or both, and being operated or traveling under a permit
issued by the Commissioner of Transportation pursuant to section 14-
270, as amended by this act. A yellow or amber light or lights,
including a flashing yellow or amber light or lights, may be used
without obtaining a permit from the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles
on wreckers registered pursuant to section 14-66, on vehicles of
carriers in rural mail delivery service or on vehicles operated by
construction inspectors employed by the state of Connecticut,
authorized by the Commissioner of Transportation, used during the
performance of inspections on behalf of the state. The Commissioner of
Transportation shall maintain a list of such authorized construction
inspectors, including the name and address of each inspector and the
registration number for each vehicle on which the lights are to be used.
(g) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles may issue a permit for a
white light or lights, including a flashing white light or lights, which
may be used on a motor vehicle or equipment as specified in
subdivision (1), (2), (4), (5) or (6) of subsection (e) of this section. A
vehicle being operated by a member of a volunteer fire department or
company or a volunteer emergency medical technician may use
flashing white head lamps, provided such member or emergency
medical technician is on the way to the scene of a fire or medical
emergency and has received written authorization from the chief law
enforcement officer of the municipality to use such head lamps. Such
head lamps shall only be used within the municipality granting such
authorization or from a personal residence or place of employment, if
located in an adjoining municipality. Such authorization may be
revoked for use of such head lamps in violation of this subdivision. For Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 15 of 26
the purposes of this subsection, the term "flashing white lights" shall
not include the simultaneous flashing of head lamps.
(h) The commissioner may issue a permit for emergency vehicles, as
defined in subsection (a) of section 14-283, to use a blue, red, yellow, or
white light or lights, including a flashing light or lights or any
combination thereof, except as provided in subsection (j) of this
section.
(i) The commissioner may issue a permit for ambulances, as defined
in section 19a-175, which may, in addition to the flashing light or lights
allowed in subsection (h) of this section, use flashing lights of other
colors specified by federal requirements for the manufacture of an
ambulance. If the commissioner issues a permit for any ambulance,
such permit shall be issued at the time of registration and upon each
renewal of such registration.
(j) A green, yellow or amber light or lights, including a flashing
green, yellow or amber light or lights or any combination thereof, may
be used on a maintenance vehicle owned and operated by the
Department of Transportation.
(k) No person, other than a police officer or inspector of the
Department of Motor Vehicles operating a state or local police vehicle,
shall operate a motor vehicle displaying a steady blue or steady red
illuminated light or both steady blue and steady red illuminated lights
that are visible externally from the front of the vehicle.
[(j)] (l) Use of colored and flashing lights except as authorized by
this section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 11. Subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 13b-118 of the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective October 1, 2019): Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 16 of 26
(2) A transportation network company driver shall display on a
transportation network company vehicle a removable decal at all times
when the driver is connected to a digital network or is engaged in the
provision of a prearranged ride. Such decal shall be: (A) Issued by the
transportation network company; (B) sufficiently large so as to be
readable during daylight hours at a distance of at least fifty feet; [and]
(C) reflective, illuminated or otherwise visible in darkness; and (D)
displayed on the passenger side of the transportation network
company vehicle if such decal is illuminated.
Sec. 12. (Effective from passage) On or before January 1, 2020, the
Commissioner of Transportation shall submit, in accordance with
section 11-4a of the general statutes, an inventory of all parcels located
in the city of New Haven that are under the control of the Department
of Transportation in connection with the Interstate Route 95 New
Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor Improvement Program to the joint
standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of
matters relating to transportation. Such inventory shall not include the
parcel of land identified as Lot 900 in Block 954 of city of New Haven
Tax Assessor's Map 78. Such inventory shall indicate when the
commissioner intends to return said parcels to the control of the city of
New Haven.
Sec. 13. (Effective from passage) On or before August 15, 2019, and
quarterly thereafter until positive train control systems are
implemented and operational on passenger rail lines in the state, the
Commissioner of Transportation shall submit a status report, in
accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes,
to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having
cognizance of matters relating to transportation concerning the
progress made to implement positive train control systems on such
passenger rail lines.
Sec. 14. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 97, Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 17 of 26
from the northerly intersection with Connecticut Route 14 (Palmer
Road) to the intersection with U.S. Route 6, in the town of Scotland
shall be designated as the "Conservation Officer James V. Spignesi, Jr.
Memorial Highway".
Sec. 15. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 63,
from the intersection of Burnt Swamp Road northerly to Connecticut
Route 67, in the town of Woodbridge shall be designated as the "PFC
Eric D. Soufrine Memorial Highway".
Sec. 16. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 04321 on Connecticut
Route 69 (Hamilton Avenue), overpassing Interstate Route 84
eastbound and westbound, in the city of Waterbury shall be
designated as the "Thomas Conway Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 17. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 305
(Bloomfield Avenue), traveling in an easterly direction from the ramps
servicing Interstate Route 91 southbound to the ramps servicing
Interstate Route 91 northbound, in the town of Windsor shall be
designated as the "Windsor Volunteer Firefighter Memorial Overpass".
Sec. 18. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 01237 on Prospect Street
overpassing Interstate Route 84 eastbound and westbound in
Plantsville shall be designated as the "U.S. Army SPC4 William A.
Beard Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 19. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 615
(Old Hartford Road), from the intersection of Wall Street proceeding in
an easterly direction and continuing southerly onto Connecticut Route
85 to its access point with Connecticut Route 2 westbound, in the town
of Colchester shall be designated as the "Colchester Hayward
Volunteer Fire Company Memorial Highway".
Sec. 20. (Effective from passage) A portion of U.S. Route 1 in the city of
Norwalk, from the Darien-Norwalk town line traveling in a northerly Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 18 of 26
direction to the intersection of Keeler Avenue, shall be designated as
the "Trooper First Class Walter Greene Memorial Highway".
Sec. 21. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 05687 on U.S. Route 44
overpassing Interstate Route 84 and the ramps for Interstate Route 291
and Interstate Route 384 in the town of Manchester shall be designated
as the "PFC Michael Sokola Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 22. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 01732 on Connecticut
Route 118 overpassing Connecticut Route 8 in the town of Harwinton
shall be designated as the "State Rep. Joseph Mascetti Memorial
Bridge".
Sec. 23. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 06290 on Connecticut
Route 3 overpassing Interstate Route 91 in the town of Wethersfield
shall be designated as "Rocco V. Laraia, Jr. Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 24. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 03575 on Hillstown Road
overpassing Interstate Route 384 in the town of Manchester shall be
designated as the "Captain Leo Godreau Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 25. (Effective from passage) Pedestrian Bridge No. 05654
overpassing the Interstate Route 84 eastbound off-ramp and the
Interstate Route 84 westbound on-ramp in the city of Hartford shall be
designated as the "Lt. Col. William A. Oefinger Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 26. (Effective from passage) A portion of Special Service Road 476,
from the northbound Interstate Route 95 access ramp northerly to the
southbound Interstate Route 95 access ramp, in the town of Westport
shall be designated as the "Rachel Doran Memorial Highway".
Sec. 27. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 01117 on State Road 846
(West Main Street) overpassing the Naugatuck River in the city of
Waterbury shall be designated as the "Samuel K. Beamon, Sr.
Memorial Bridge". Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 19 of 26
Sec. 28. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 00023 on Interstate Route
95 overpassing West Avenue in the city of Stamford shall be
designated as the "William S. "Bill" Callion, Jr. Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 29. (Effective from passage) Special Service Road 700, from Water
Street westerly to the merge with Connecticut Route 130, in the city of
Bridgeport shall be designated as the "Rep. Ezequiel Santiago
Memorial Highway".
Sec. 30. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 117,
from the intersection with U.S. Route 1 northerly to Interstate Route 95
southbound, in the town of Groton shall be designated as the "Joseph
"Jo Jo Nice" Gingerella Memorial Highway".
Sec. 31. (Effective from passage) The Department of Transportation
shall place signs indicating the location of the Veterans Memorial Park,
the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial and the Greater Middletown
Military Museum near the following locations in the city of
Middletown: Connecticut Route 66 at Old Mill Road; Connecticut
Route 217 at Westfield Street; and Connecticut Route 3 at Fisher Road.
Sec. 32. (Effective from passage) The Department of Transportation
shall place signs indicating the location of the Great Meadow Salt
Marsh near Interstate Route 95 in the town of Stratford.
Sec. 33. (Effective from passage) The Department of Transportation
shall place signs indicating the location of the Strong Family Farm, the
Arts Center East, the Vernon Historical Society and the New England
Civil War Museum in the town of Vernon.
Sec. 34. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 372,
from the intersection of Connecticut Route 71 to the intersection of
Burnham Street, in the town of Berlin shall be designated as the "Mary
Aresimowicz Memorial Highway". Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 20 of 26
Sec. 35. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 10
(Waterville Road), from the town line of Avon-Farmington to the
intersection with U.S. Route 44, in the town of Avon shall be
designated as the "Avon Volunteer Fire Dept. Memorial Highway".
Sec. 36. Section 14-62c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2019):
The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge each new car
dealer or used car dealer licensed pursuant to section 14-52 a fee of
thirty-five dollars for each transaction in which the new car dealer or
used car dealer processes a used motor vehicle traded in by the
purchaser of a new motor vehicle or used motor vehicle from such
new car dealer or used car dealer. Any fees collected pursuant to this
section shall be deposited in the General Fund. Nothing in this section
shall prohibit a new car dealer or used car dealer from seeking
remuneration for the fee imposed by this section.
Sec. 37. Subsection (b) of section 14-253a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective
October 1, 2019):
(b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall accept applications
and renewal applications for removable windshield placards from (1)
any person who is blind, as defined in section 1-1f; (2) any person with
disabilities; (3) any parent or guardian of any person who is blind or
any person with disabilities, if such person is under eighteen years of
age at the time of application; (4) any parent or guardian of any person
who is blind or any person with disabilities, if such person is unable to
request or complete an application; and (5) any organization which
meets criteria established by the commissioner and which certifies to
the commissioner's satisfaction that the vehicle for which a placard is
requested is primarily used to transport persons who are blind or
persons with disabilities. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 21 of 26
section, on and after October 1, 2011, the commissioner shall not accept
applications for special license plates, but shall accept renewal
applications for such plates that were issued prior to October 1, 2011.
No person shall be issued a placard in accordance with this section
unless such person is the holder of a valid motor vehicle operator's
license, or identification card issued in accordance with the provisions
of section 1-1h. The commissioner is authorized to adopt regulations
for the issuance of placards to persons who, by reason of hardship, do
not hold or cannot obtain an operator's license or identification card.
The commissioner shall maintain a record of each placard issued to
any such person. Such applications and renewal applications shall be
on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The application and
renewal application shall include: (A) Certification by a licensed
physician, a physician assistant, an advanced practice registered nurse
licensed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 378, or a member
of the driver training unit for persons with disabilities established
pursuant to section 14-11b, that the applicant meets the definition of a
person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, as
defined in 23 CFR Section 1235.2; or (B) certification by a psychiatrist
who is employed by, or under contract with, the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs that the applicant (i) is a veteran, as
defined in subsection (a) of section 27-103, who has post-traumatic
stress disorder certified as service-connected by the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs, and (ii) meets the definition of a
person with a disability which limits or impairs the ability to walk, as
defined in 23 CFR Section 1235.2. In the case of persons who are blind,
the application or renewal application shall include certification of
legal blindness made by the Department of Rehabilitation Services, an
ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Any person who makes a
certification required by this subsection shall sign the application or
renewal application under penalty of false statement pursuant to
section 53a-157b. The commissioner, in said commissioner's discretion,
may accept the discharge papers of a disabled veteran, as defined in Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 22 of 26
section 14-254, in lieu of such certification. The Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles may require additional certification at the time of the original
application or at any time thereafter. If a person who has been
requested to submit additional certification fails to do so within thirty
days of the request, or if such additional certification is deemed by the
Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to be unfavorable to the applicant,
the commissioner may refuse to issue or, if already issued, suspend or
revoke such special license plate or placard. The commissioner shall
not issue more than one placard per applicant , except the
commissioner shall issue one placard to each applicant who is a parent
or guardian of any person who is blind or any person with disabilities,
if such person is under eighteen at the time of application, provided no
more than two such placards shall be issued on behalf of such person.
The fee for the issuance of a temporary removable windshield placard
shall be five dollars. Any person whose application has been denied or
whose special license plate or placard has been suspended or revoked
shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the
provisions of chapter 54.
Sec. 38. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2019, and applicable to contracts entered
into on and after said date) (a) As used in this section:
(1) "Service provider" means a person providing services under a
snow removal and ice control services contract;
(2) "Service receiver" means a person receiving services under a
snow removal and ice control services contract;
(3) "Snow removal and ice control services contract" means a
contract or agreement for the performance of: (A) Plowing, shoveling
or removal of snow or ice, (B) de-icing services, or (C) a service
incidental to subparagraph (A) or (B) of this subdivision, including,
but not limited to, operating or moving snow removal or de-icing
equipment or materials. Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 23 of 26
(b) A provision, clause, covenant or agreement that is part of or in
connection with a snow removal and ice control services contract and
that: (1) Requires or has the effect of requiring a service provider to
indemnify a service receiver for acts that the service provider is not
required to perform, or is instructed by the service receiver not to
perform, under a snow removal and ice control services contract, or (2)
requires, or has the effect of requiring, a service provider to hold a
service receiver harmless from any tort liability for damages resulting
from the acts or omissions of the service receiver or the service
receiver's agents or employees is against public policy and void if it
prohibits the service provider, by express contract terms or in writing,
from mitigating a specific snow, ice or other mixed-precipitation event
or risk.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to snow removal
and ice control services contracts to be performed on municipal or
state-owned roadways or property.
Sec. 39. (NEW) (Effective from passage) The Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles, in consultation with the Connecticut Police Chiefs
Association and at least one organization that advocates for persons
with autism spectrum disorder, shall design and make available blue
envelopes that (1) provide written information and guidance on the
outside of the envelopes regarding ways to enhance effective
communication between a police officer and a person with autism
spectrum disorder, and (2) are capable of holding a person's motor
vehicle operator's license, registration and insurance identification
card. On and after January 1, 2020, upon request by a person with
autism spectrum disorder or if such person is a minor, such person's
parent or guardian, the commissioner shall provide a blue envelope
designed pursuant to this section to such person, parent or guardian.
Sec. 40. Section 18 of public act 14-199 is repealed and the following
is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage): Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 24 of 26
Not later than [January 1, 2015] October 1, 2020, the Department of
Transportation shall, within available appropriations, submit a report,
in connection with the state-certified industrial reinvestment project
authorized pursuant to [public act 14-2] section 32-4m of the general
statutes and in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the
general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation.
Such report shall include a study of the challenges to access and egress
in and around the stadium facility site, as defined in section 32-651 of
the general statutes, recommendations for solutions to such challenges
and an estimate of the cost of such solutions.
Sec. 41. Section 15 of public act 17-230 is repealed and the following
is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
The Commissioner of Transportation shall conduct a study on the
feasibility of constructing a tunnel from Greenwich to Bridgeport. Such
study shall include, but not be limited to, the feasibility of constructing
such tunnel under Interstate 95. Not later than [January 1, 2019]
December 1, 2020, the commissioner shall submit a report, in
accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes,
of the commissioner's findings to the joint standing committee of the
General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to
transportation.
Sec. 42. Section 13 of public act 17-140 is repealed and the following
is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) The Commissioner of Transportation shall study how to
implement and fund a level of service from taxicabs and transportation
network companies to individuals with disabilities that is substantially
equivalent to the level of service provided to other members of the
general public. Such study shall examine the viability of funding such
level of service through a per-trip surcharge on all rides provided by Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 25 of 26
taxicabs, motor vehicles in livery service and transportation network
company drivers. Such study shall examine and develop
recommendations for how to: (1) Assure equivalent service to
individuals with disabilities from taxicabs and transportation network
companies with regard to the following service parameters: (A)
Response time, (B) fares, (C) geographic area of service, and (D) hours
and days of service; (2) provide for the establishment of an accessibility
program fund for the receipt of any such per-trip surcharges and the
disbursement of program funds to transportation network companies
and taxicab certificate holders for the following purposes: (A)
Reimbursement for costs associated with converting or purchasing
motor vehicles to be used as taxicabs or for transportation network
company prearranged rides that are fully accessible by a wheelchair
ramp or lift, and (B) compensation incentives for taxicab and
transportation network company drivers who allot the requisite time
to assist individuals with disabilities in boarding such drivers' motor
vehicles; and (3) initiate the use of transportation network company
prearranged rides for assembling and managing a comprehensive
transportation system for individuals with disabilities within the
Medicaid population that provides such individuals with a
transportation option for being transported to and from medical care
facilities.
(b) In conducting the study described in subsection (a) of this
section, the Commissioner of Transportation may consult with any
individual who has expertise in any aspect of such study's
requirements, as described in subsection (a) of this section, including,
but not limited to, members of the faculty of The University of
Connecticut and representatives of the Disability Rights Education and
Defense Fund, American Association of People with Disabilities,
National Council of Independent Living, taxicab drivers and owners,
motor vehicle in livery service drivers and owners, transportation
network company drivers and transportation network companies. Substitute House Bill No. 7140
Public Act No. 19-161 26 of 26
(c) Not later than [January 1, 2019] December 1, 2020, the
Commissioner of Transportation shall submit such recommendations,
in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general
statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, in addition to
any recommendations for legislation to implement such
recommendations.
Sec. 43. Section 85 of public act 01-9 of the June special session is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
The [Commissioner of Transportation] executive director of the
Connecticut Airport Authority shall [, within available
appropriations,] conduct a study on the safety hazards relating to the
height of structures to be erected proximate to general aviation
airports. Not later than January 1, [2002] 2021, the [commissioner]
executive director shall submit a report on its findings to the joint
standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of
matters relating to transportation, in accordance with the provisions of
section 11-4a of the general statutes.