Connecticut House Bill HB07202

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/19
• Refer: 2/21/19
• Report Pass: 3/20/19
• Refer: 4/1/19
• Report Pass: 4/8/19
• Refer: 5/10/19
• Report Pass: 5/15/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Sustainability Of Connecticut's Transportation Infrastructure.

Impact

If enacted, HB 7202 aims to generate dedicated revenue for transportation infrastructure through electronic tolls. The introduction of tolling could significantly affect state laws by creating new regulations that govern how tolls are set, collected, and enforced. This would bring about administrative changes and increase operational responsibilities for the Department of Transportation. The bill could lead to enhanced funding for highway maintenance, thereby potentially improving road conditions and transportation safety in Connecticut.

Summary

House Bill 7202, known as the Act Concerning the Sustainability of Connecticut's Transportation Infrastructure, focuses on the introduction of electronic tolling systems on specific highways in Connecticut, including Interstate Routes 84, 91, and 95. The bill permits the Department of Transportation to establish these tolling systems, which are intended to provide a reliable source of funding for the maintenance and operation of the state's transportation infrastructure. The legislation outlines various regulatory measures related to tolls, customer data protection, and the penalties for toll nonpayment or evasion, ensuring it aligns with both state and federal standards.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 7202 has been mixed. Supporters argue that electronic tolling is a pragmatic solution to funding critical transportation needs and improving the state's aging infrastructure. They believe that it will result in better roads and reduce future financial burdens on taxpayers. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the fairness of imposing tolls, as they worry it could disproportionately affect lower-income drivers. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the privacy of toll customer data collected through these electronic systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 7202 center on public access to toll customer information and the implementation of penalties for nonpayment. While supporters highlight the importance of ensuring transparency and proper usage of toll revenues, critics are wary of potential overreach concerning customer privacy and data usage. The requirement for public informational meetings before toll systems are established aims to alleviate some concerns, but debates persist about the adequacy of public input in the decision-making process and the overall equity of tolling among various socioeconomic groups.