Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135
AN ACT IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND CONCERNING STATE
PARKWAYS, THE CONNECTICUT AIRPORT AUTHORITY, A
TRANSPORTATION CARBON DIOXIDE REDUCTION TARGET, A
TREE AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, MOTOR VEHICLE
NOISE, THE ZERO -EMISSION TRUCK VOUCHER PROGRAM,
STREET RACING, EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND THE NAMING OF
CERTAIN ROADS AND BRIDGES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:
Section 1. Section 14-299 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) For the purpose of standardization and uniformity, no installation
of or revision to any traffic control signal light shall be made by any
town, city or borough until the same has been approved by the Office of
the State Traffic Administration. Such approval shall be based on
necessity for, location of and type of such signal light and shall be
applied for on a form supplied by the Office of the State Traffic
Administration and shall be submitted to said office by the traffic
authority having jurisdiction. Approval of any such signal light may be
revoked by the Office of the State Traffic Administration at any time if
said office deems such revocation to be in the interest of public safety,
and thereupon such signal lights shall be removed by the traffic Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 2 of 62
authority having jurisdiction.
(b) When traffic at an intersection is alternately directed to proceed
and to stop by the use of signals exhibiting colored lights or lighted
arrows, successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors
green, red and yellow shall be used, except for special [pedestrian
control] pedestrian-control signals carrying word legends [, said lights]
or symbols. Such lights or arrows shall apply to drivers of vehicles and
pedestrians and shall indicate the following:
(1) Circular green alone: Vehicular traffic facing a green signal may
proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign or marking at
such place prohibits either such turn or straight through movement,
except that such traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and
vehicles [lawfully] within a crosswalk or the intersection at the time
such signal was exhibited; pedestrians facing the green signal, except
when directed by separate pedestrian-control signals, may proceed
across the highway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(2) Yellow: Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow signal is thereby
warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a
red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter, when vehicular
traffic shall stop before entering the intersection unless so close to the
intersection that a stop cannot be made in safety; pedestrians facing a
steady yellow signal, except when directed by separate pedestrian-
control signals, are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to
cross the roadway before a red indication is shown and no pedestrian
shall then start to cross the roadway.
(3) Red alone: Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal alone shall
stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection
or, if none, then before entering the intersection and remain standing
until the next indication is shown; provided, on or after July 1, 1979,
vehicular traffic traveling in the travel lane nearest the right hand curb Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
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or other defined edge of the roadway, unless a sign approved by the
Office of the State Traffic Administration has been erected in the
appropriate place prohibiting this movement, may cautiously enter the
intersection to make a right turn onto a two-way street or onto another
one-way street on which all the traffic is moving to such vehicle's right
after such vehicle has stopped as required in this subdivision and
yielded the right-of-way to pedestrians [lawfully] within an adjacent
crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
Pedestrians facing a steady red signal alone, except when directed by
separate pedestrian-control signals, shall not enter the roadway.
(4) Green arrow: Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown
alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter
the intersection only to make the movement indicated by such arrow, or
such other movement as is permitted by other indications shown at the
same time, but such vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to
pedestrians [lawfully] within a crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully
within the intersection.
(5) Whenever special pedestrian-control signals exhibiting the words
"Walk" or "Don't Walk" or the image of a walking person symbolizing
"Walk" or an upraised hand symbolizing "Don't Walk" are in place, such
signals shall indicate as follows: "Walk" or walking person symbol:
Pedestrians facing such signals may proceed across the roadway in the
direction of the signal and shall be given the right-of-way by the drivers
of all vehicles; "Don't Walk" or upraised hand symbol: No pedestrian
shall start to cross the roadway in the direction of such signal, but any
pedestrian who has partially completed [his] crossing on the walk signal
shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the flashing "Don't
Walk" or flashing upraised hand symbol signal is showing.
(c) When an illuminated flashing red or yellow signal is used in a
traffic sign or signal, it shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as
follows: Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 4 of 62
(1) Flashing red: When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittent
flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest
crosswalk at an intersection, or at a limit line when marked or, if none,
then before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be
subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(2) When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes,
drivers of vehicles facing such signal may proceed through the
intersection or past such signal only with caution.
(d) Lenses of the following colors only shall be used and shall be
arranged vertically in the signal face or, when necessary, horizontally,
and shall conform to the following positions: When arranged vertically,
red shall be located at the top, yellow shall be located directly below red
and the remaining indications below the yellow in the following order:
Flashing yellow, circular green, vertical arrow, left-turn arrow and
right-turn arrow, as needed; when arranged horizontally, red shall be
located at the left, yellow shall be located directly to the right of red and
the remaining indications to the right of yellow in the following order:
Flashing yellow, left-turn arrow, circular green, vertical arrow and
right-turn arrow, as needed.
(e) When lane-direction-control signals are placed over the individual
lanes of a street or highway, vehicular traffic may travel in any lane over
which a green arrow signal is shown, but shall not enter or travel in any
lane over which a red X signal is shown.
(f) If a traffic control signal, approved by the Office of the State Traffic
Administration, is erected and maintained at a place other than an
intersection, the provisions of this section shall be applicable except as
to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Any
stop required shall be made at a sign or marking on the pavement
indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any sign
or marking, the stop shall be made at the signal. Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 5 of 62
Sec. 2. Subsections (a) and (b) of section 14-300 of the general statutes
are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July
1, 2023):
(a) The traffic authority [shall have power to] may designate, by
appropriate official traffic control devices, as defined in section 14-297,
or markers, or by lines upon the surface of the highway, such crosswalks
and intersections as, in its opinion, constitute a danger to pedestrians
crossing the highway including, but not limited to, specially marked
crosswalks in the vicinity of schools, which crosswalks shall have
distinctive markings, in accordance with the regulations of the Office of
the State Traffic Administration, to denote use of such crosswalks by
school children; and may maintain suitable signs located at intervals
along highways, particularly where there are no sidewalks, directing
pedestrians to walk facing vehicular traffic.
(b) At any intersection where special pedestrian-control signals
bearing the words "Walk" or "Don't Walk" or the image of a walking
person symbolizing "Walk" or an upraised hand symbolizing "Don't
Walk" are placed, pedestrians may cross the highway only as indicated
by the signal. At any intersection where traffic is controlled by other
traffic control signals or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross the
highway against a red or "Stop" signal and shall not cross at any place
not a marked or unmarked crosswalk. A pedestrian started or starting
across the highway [on a "Walk" signal] or on any such crosswalk [on a
green or "Go" signal] shall have the right-of-way over all vehicles,
including those making turns, until such pedestrian has reached the
opposite curb or safety zone.
Sec. 3. Section 14-311 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) No person, firm, corporation, state agency [,] or municipal agency,
or any combination thereof, shall build, expand, establish or operate any Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 6 of 62
open air theater, shopping center or other development generating large
volumes of traffic that substantially affect state highway traffic within
this state, as determined by the Office of the State Traffic
Administration, until such person, firm, corporation [,] or agency has
procured from said office a certificate that the operation thereof will not
imperil the safety of the public, except that any development, including
any development to be built in phases, without regard to when such
phases are approved by the municipal planning and zoning agency or
other responsible municipal agency, that contains a total of one hundred
or fewer residential units shall not be required to obtain such certificate
if such development is a residential-only development and is not part of
a mixed-use development that contains office, retail or other such
nonresidential uses, provided if any future development increases the
total number of residential units to more than one hundred, and such
total substantially affects state highway traffic within the state as
determined by the Office of the State Traffic Administration, a certificate
shall be procured from said office.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or permitted by
the Office of the State Traffic Administration, no local building official
shall issue a building or foundation permit to any person, firm,
corporation, state agency or municipal agency to build, expand,
establish or operate such a development until the person, firm,
corporation or agency provides to such official a copy of the certificate
issued under this section by the office. No local building official shall
issue a certificate of occupancy to any such person, firm, corporation or
agency for such development until the conditions of the certificate
issued by the office under this section have been satisfied. If the office
determines that any person, firm, corporation [,] or [state or municipal]
agency has (1) started building, expanding, establishing or operating
such a development without first obtaining a certificate from said office,
or (2) has failed to comply with the conditions of such a certificate, it
shall order the person, firm, corporation or agency to (A) cease Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 7 of 62
constructing, expanding, establishing or operating the development, or
(B) comply with the conditions of the certificate within a reasonable
period of time. If such person, firm, corporation or agency fails to (i)
cease such work, or (ii) comply with an order of the office within such
time as specified by the office, the office may [make an application]
apply to the superior court for the judicial district of Hartford or the
judicial district where the development is located enjoining the
construction, expansion, establishment or operation of such
development. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, for
single family home building lots within a subdivision of land, for which
a certificate is required and which do not have a direct exit or entrance
on, or directly abut or adjoin any state highway, no local building
official shall issue a certificate of occupancy to any person, firm,
corporation, state agency or municipal agency to occupy homes on such
lots until the person, firm, corporation or agency provides to such
official a copy of the certificate issued under this section by the office
and such official confirms that the certificate conditions have been
satisfied.
(c) The Office of the State Traffic Administration, to the extent
practicable, shall begin its review of an application prior to final
approval of the proposed activity by the municipal planning and zoning
agency or other responsible municipal agency.
(d) In determining the advisability of such certification, the Office of
the State Traffic Administration shall include, in its consideration,
highway safety, bicycle and pedestrian access and safety, the width and
character of the highways affected, the density of traffic thereon, the
character of such traffic and the opinion and findings of the traffic
authority of the municipality wherein the development is located. The
office may require improvements to be made by the applicant to the
extent that such improvements address impacts to state highway safety
or bicycle and pedestrian access and safety created by the addition of Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 8 of 62
the applicant's proposed development or activity. If the office
determines that such improvements, including traffic signals, pavement
markings, channelization, pavement widening or other changes or
traffic control devices, are required to handle traffic safely and
efficiently, one hundred per cent of the cost thereof shall be borne by the
person, firm, corporation or agency building, establishing or operating
such open air theater, shopping center or other development generating
large volumes of traffic, except that such cost shall not be borne by any
municipal agency. The Commissioner of Transportation may issue a
permit to [said] such person, firm, corporation or agency to construct or
install the changes required by the office.
(e) Any person, firm, corporation or agency building, establishing or
operating such open air theater, shopping center or other development
generating large volumes of traffic aggrieved by any decision of the
Office of the State Traffic Administration [hereunder] under this section
may appeal therefrom in accordance with the provisions of section 4-
183, except venue for such appeal shall be in the judicial district in which
it is proposed to operate such establishment. The provisions of this
section, except insofar as such provisions relate to expansion, shall not
apply to any open air theater, shopping center or other development
generating large volumes of traffic in operation on July 1, 1967.
(f) Before submitting an application for any development generating
large volumes of traffic pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to the
Office of the State Traffic Administration, the [individual or entity]
person, firm, corporation or agency submitting such application shall
attend a mandatory meeting with the Office of the State Traffic
Administration and other staff from the Department of Transportation.
At such meeting, such [individual or entity] person, firm, corporation or
agency shall present the applicant's proposed development [to such
department staff] and receive feedback, including, but not limited to,
information as to what [needs] materials need to be submitted for an Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 9 of 62
application to be considered complete.
Sec. 4. Section 14-311c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) No [group of persons, firms, corporations, state agencies or
municipal agencies] person, firm, corporation, state agency or
municipal agency, or any combination thereof, shall build, expand,
establish or operate any open air theater, shopping center or other
development generating large volumes of traffic on any group of
individual parcels of land which are separately owned but are utilized
together for a single development purpose, whether or not such parcels
are separated by any state, local or private roadway that substantially
affect state highway traffic within this state, as determined by the Office
of the State Traffic Administration, until such [group] person, firm,
corporation or agency has procured from the Office of the State Traffic
Administration a certificate that the operation thereof will not imperil
the safety of the public, except that any development, including any
development to be built in phases without regard to when such phases
are approved by the municipal planning and zoning agency or other
responsible municipal agency, that contains a total of one hundred or
fewer residential units shall not be required to obtain such a certificate
if such development is a residential-only development and not part of a
mixed-use development containing office, retail or other such
nonresidential uses, provided if any future development increases the
total number of residential units to more than one hundred, and this
total substantially affects state highway traffic within the state as
determined by the Office of the State Traffic Administration, a certificate
shall be procured from said office.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection or permitted by
the Office of the State Traffic Administration, no local building official
shall issue a building or foundation permit to any such [group or
member thereof] person, firm, corporation or agency to build, expand, Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 10 of 62
establish or operate such a development until the [group or member]
person, firm, corporation or agency provides to such official a copy of
the certificate issued under this section by the Office of the State Traffic
Administration. No local building official shall issue a certificate of
occupancy to any such person, firm, corporation or agency for such
development until the conditions of the certificate issued by the office
under this section have been satisfied. If the Office of the State Traffic
Administration determines that any [group or member] person, firm,
corporation or agency has (1) started building, expanding, establishing
or operating such a development without first obtaining a certificate
from said office, or (2) has failed to comply with the conditions of such
a certificate, it shall order the [group or member] person, firm,
corporation or agency to (A) cease constructing, expanding, establishing
or operating the development, or (B) to comply with the conditions of
the certificate within a reasonable period of time. If such [group or
member] person, firm, corporation or agency fails to (i) cease such work,
or (ii) comply with such order within such time as specified by the Office
of the State Traffic Administration, said office or the traffic authority of
the municipality wherein the development is located may [make an
application] apply to the superior court for the judicial district of
Hartford or the judicial district where the development is located
enjoining the construction, expansion, establishment or the operation of
such development. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection,
for single family home building lots within a subdivision of land, for
which a certificate is required and which do not have a direct exit or
entrance on, or directly abut or adjoin any state highway, no local
building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy to any such [group
or member thereof or] person, firm, corporation or agency to occupy
homes on such lots until such [group, member or] person, firm,
corporation or agency provides to such official a copy of the certificate
issued under this section by said office and such official confirms that
the certificate conditions have been satisfied. Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 11 of 62
(c) The Office of the State Traffic Administration, to the extent
practicable, shall begin its review of an application prior to final
approval of the proposed activity by the municipal planning and zoning
agency or other responsible municipal agency.
(d) In determining the advisability of such certification, the Office of
the State Traffic Administration shall include, in its consideration,
highway safety, the width and character of the highways affected, the
density of traffic thereon, the character of such traffic and the opinion
and findings of the traffic authority of the municipality wherein the
development is located. The Office of the State Traffic Administration
may require improvements to be made by the applicant to the extent
that such improvements address impacts to state highway safety
created by the addition of the applicant's proposed development or
activity. If the Office of the State Traffic Administration determines that
such improvements, including traffic signals, pavement markings,
channelization, pavement widening or other changes or traffic control
devices, are required to handle traffic safely and efficiently, one
hundred per cent of the cost thereof shall be borne by the [group]
person, firm, corporation or agency building, establishing or operating
such open air theater, shopping center or other development generating
large volumes of traffic, except that such cost shall not be borne by any
municipal agency. The Commissioner of Transportation may issue a
permit to [said group] such person, firm, corporation or agency to
construct or install the changes required by the Office of the State Traffic
Administration, in consultation with the local traffic authority.
(e) Any [group] person, firm, corporation or agency building,
establishing or operating such open air theater, shopping center or other
development generating large volumes of traffic aggrieved by any
decision of the Office of the State Traffic Administration [hereunder]
under this section may appeal therefrom in accordance with the
provisions of section 4-183, except venue for such appeal shall be in the Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 12 of 62
judicial district in which it is proposed to operate such establishment.
The provisions of this section except insofar as such provisions relate to
expansion shall not apply to any open air theater, shopping center or
other development generating large volumes of traffic which has
received all necessary permits, variances, exceptions and approvals
from the municipal zoning commission, planning commission,
combined planning and zoning commission and zoning board of
appeals in which such development is located prior to or on July 1, 1985,
or to any such development which is in operation on that date.
(f) Before submitting an application for any development generating
large volumes of traffic pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to the
Office of the State Traffic Administration, the person, firm, corporation
or agency submitting such application shall attend a mandatory
meeting with the Office of the State Traffic Administration and other
staff from the Department of Transportation. At such meeting, such
person, firm, corporation or agency shall present the applicant's
proposed development and receive feedback, including, but not limited
to, information as to what materials need to be submitted for an
application to be considered complete.
Sec. 5. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Connecticut Training and
Technical Assistance Center at The University of Connecticut shall
conduct training sessions for traffic authorities, at least three times a
year, concerning the powers and responsibilities of traffic authorities,
the installation of official traffic control devices and an overview of the
applicable provisions of the general statutes and any regulations
adopted by the Office of the State Traffic Administration.
(b) On or before January 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, each traffic
authority, or such authority's appointed representative, shall complete
one training offered pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. The
Connecticut Training and Technical Assistance Center shall maintain
records indicating when a traffic authority, or such authority's Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 13 of 62
representative, completed such training.
Sec. 6. Subsection (b) of section 14-218a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2023):
(b) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, the
Office of the State Traffic Administration shall establish a speed limit
[of] not to exceed sixty-five miles per hour on [any] each multiple lane,
limited access [highways] highway. The office shall establish speed
limits that are suitable for [a speed limit of sixty-five miles per hour]
each such highway, taking into consideration relevant factors including
design, population of area and traffic flow.
(2) The Commissioner of Transportation may establish the speed
limit on limited access highways during a weather event or an
emergency, provided the commissioner erects electronic signs
indicating such speed limit.
Sec. 7. Section 13b-212b of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) There is established a Connecticut [Commuter Rail] Public
Transportation Council which shall consist of fifteen members,
[appointed with the advice and consent of the General Assembly,] all of
whom shall be (1) [commuters] residents who regularly use the
transportation services of the New Haven commuter railroad line which
includes the New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury branches of such
line, (2) [commuters] residents who regularly use the transportation
services of the [Shoreline] Shore Line East railroad line, [or] (3) residents
[of a municipality in which the Commissioner of Transportation has
proposed a new rail line or in which a rail line has commenced operation
after July 1, 2013] who regularly use the transportation services of the
Hartford railroad line, or (4) residents who regularly use public transit Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 14 of 62
services funded by the state. Members shall be appointed as follows: (A)
The Governor shall appoint four members; [, one of whom shall be the
chief elected official of a municipality located on an operating or
proposed new rail line;] (B) the president pro tempore of the Senate shall
appoint [three] two members, one of whom regularly uses public transit
services funded by the state and one of whom regularly uses the
transportation services of the New Haven railroad line; (C) the speaker
of the House of Representatives shall appoint [three] two members, one
of whom regularly uses public transit services funded by the state and
one of whom regularly uses the transportation services of the Hartford
railroad line; (D) the majority leader of the Senate shall appoint one
member; (E) the majority leader of the House of Representatives shall
appoint one member; (F) the minority leader of the Senate shall appoint
one member; [(E)] (G) the minority leader of the House of
Representatives shall appoint one member; [(F)] (H) the chairpersons of
the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having
cognizance of matters relating to transportation shall each appoint one
member, one of whom [shall be from a municipality in which the
Commissioner of Transportation has proposed a new rail line or in
which a rail line has commenced operation after July 1, 2013, and one of
whom shall be from a municipality in which a station for the Shoreline
East railroad line is located] regularly uses public transit services funded
by the state and one of whom regularly uses the transportation services
of the Shore Line East railroad line; and [(G)] (I) the ranking members
of said committee shall jointly appoint one member who [shall be from
a municipality served by the Danbury or Waterbury branches of the
New Haven commuter railroad line] regularly uses public transit
services funded by the state. Each member shall serve for a term of four
years. All initial appointments to the council shall be made by August
1, [2013] 2023, and initial members shall serve a four-year term
commencing on August 1, [2013] 2023, except that any member
appointed prior to July 1, 2023, to serve on the former Connecticut
Commuter Rail Council and serving on June 30, 2023, shall be deemed Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 15 of 62
appointed to serve on the Connecticut Public Transportation Council
and may continue to serve until the expiration of such member's term
and a successor has qualified. Any vacancy shall be filled by the original
appointing authority by appointment for the unexpired portion of any
term. Members of the council shall serve until their respective
successors are appointed. [and approved by the General Assembly.]
(b) [The] Notwithstanding the provisions of section 4-9a, the
members of the council shall choose one of the members of the council
to be chairperson of the council. A majority of the members of the
council then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any
business, and action shall be by vote of a majority of the members
present at a meeting. The council shall meet at least once during each
calendar quarter and at such other times as the chairperson deems
necessary or upon the request of a majority of the members in office.
Special meetings shall be held at the request of such majority after notice
in accordance with the provisions of section 1-225. Any member who
fails to attend fifty per cent of all meetings held during any calendar
year or who fails to attend three consecutive meetings shall be deemed
to have resigned from office. Not later than ten days after a vacancy
occurs in the council or the resignation of a member, the chairperson
shall notify the appointing authority of such vacancy or resignation.
(c) The Department of Transportation shall maintain records of each
request for information and data received from the council and denote
the status of any such request.
Sec. 8. Section 13b-212c of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
The Connecticut [Commuter Rail] Public Transportation Council
shall study and investigate all aspects of the daily operation of
[commuter rail lines in] the commuter railroad systems and public
transit services funded by the state, monitor their performance and Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 16 of 62
recommend changes to improve the efficiency, equity and [the] quality
of service [of the operation of such lines] on such commuter rail systems
and public transit services. The council may request and shall receive, if
available, from any department, division, board, bureau, commission,
agency [,] or public authority of the state, or any political subdivision
thereof, such assistance and data [as it requests and] that will enable it
to properly carry out its activities for the purposes set forth in this
section. The council shall also [work with the Department of
Transportation to] serve as an advocate for customers of all commuter
[lines in] railroad systems and public transit services funded by the
state. [and shall make recommendations for improvements to such
lines.] The Department of Transportation shall (1) submit monthly
reports with information and data concerning the on-time performance
and passenger ridership of the commuter railroad systems and public
transit services funded by the state, and (2) make quarterly
presentations at the meetings of the council concerning such reports and
respond to reasonable inquiries made in advance of any meeting by the
council. The council shall report its findings and recommendations
annually on or before January fifteenth, to the Governor, the
Commissioner of Transportation, the General Assembly, the Metro
North Rail Commuter Council located in the state of New York and the
management advisory board of the office of the inspector general of the
Metropolitan Transportation Authority located in the state of New York.
The council shall also annually present its findings and
recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation.
Sec. 9. (Effective from passage) On or before February 1, 2024, the
Connecticut Public Transportation Council, established under section
13b-212b of the general statutes, as amended by this act, shall submit, 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, a report regarding the Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 17 of 62
organizational structure of the council and any recommendations to
improve or modify such structure and the mission of the council.
Sec. 10. Section 20 of public act 21-175 is repealed and the following
is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
The Commissioner of Transportation shall study the feasibility of (1)
extending the Shore Line East rail line to the state of Rhode Island, (2)
establishing a new passenger rail service from the town of New London
to the town of Norwich, (3) establishing a new passenger train station in
the town of Groton and the borough of Stonington, and (4) extending
ground transportation systems in the eastern region of the state and
providing interconnection between such systems and rail lines. The
commissioner may seek and use any available federal funds to conduct
such study. On or before [January] December 1, 2023, the commissioner
shall submit the results of such study 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.
Sec. 11. Section 13b-103 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2023):
(a) (1) No person, association, limited liability company or
corporation shall operate a motor vehicle in livery service until such
person, association, limited liability company or corporation has
obtained a permit from the Department of Transportation, specifying
the nature and extent of the service to be rendered and certifying that
public convenience and necessity will be improved by the operation and
conduct of such livery service. Such permits shall be issued only after a
written application for the same has been made and a public hearing has
been held thereon. Upon receipt of such application, together with the
payment of a fee of two hundred dollars, the department shall fix a time
and place of hearing thereon, within a reasonable time, and shall Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 18 of 62
promptly give written notice of the pendency of such application and of
the time and place of such hearing to each applicant, the mayor of each
city, the warden of each borough and the first selectman of each town,
within which any such applicant desires to maintain an office or
headquarters, to any carrier legally operating motor vehicles in livery
service within the same territory and to other interested parties as
determined by the department. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of
subdivision (1) of this subsection, the department may issue a permit for
the operation of vehicles (A) having a capacity of less than eleven adults
or to be used exclusively at funerals, weddings, christenings,
processions or celebrations, without holding a hearing and certifying
that public convenience and necessity would be improved by the
operation of such vehicles, or (B) having a capacity of not less than
eleven or more than fourteen adults and used for sightseeing and
related purposes, without holding a hearing, provided the department
issues a legal notice, as provided under section 1-2, of such application
and no objection is filed with the department within thirty days of
publication of such notice. (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of
subdivision (1) of this subsection, the department may issue a
temporary or permanent permit to any person, association, limited
liability company or corporation operating a motor vehicle engaged in
the transportation of passengers for hire by virtue of a contract with, or
a lower tier contract for, any federal, state or municipal agency that (A)
is in effect on July 1, 1997, with or without hearing, after a written
application for the same has been made and the department has
determined that the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (b)
of this section except with respect to public convenience and necessity,
or (B) becomes effective after July 1, 1997, with or without hearing, after
a written application for the same has been made and the department
has determined that the applicant meets the requirements of subsection
(b) of this section. Any such permit issued under the provisions of this
subdivision (i) shall be limited to service provided under any such
contract, and (ii) with respect to any contract under the provisions of Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 19 of 62
subparagraph (A) of this subdivision, shall not authorize a total number
of motor vehicles exceeding the number required to provide service
existing under such contract on July 1, 1997. (4) Notwithstanding the
provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the department shall
issue to any person who has an intrastate livery permit for at least one
year, upon the application of such person, up to two additional vehicle
authorizations each year without a hearing and without written notice
of the pendency of the application, if all the existing permits held by
such person are registered and in use and if there are no outstanding
violations or matters pending adjudication against such person. Such
person may submit a second application for up to two additional vehicle
authorizations each year. The department shall have thirty calendar
days to issue such amended permit upon receipt of an application and
the payment of the fee described in subdivision (1) of this subsection.
(b) In determining whether or not such a permit will be granted, the
Department of Transportation shall take into consideration the present
or future public convenience and necessity for the service the applicant
proposes to render, the suitability of the applicant or the suitability of
the management if the applicant is a limited liability company or
corporation, the financial responsibility of the applicant, the ability of
the applicant efficiently and properly to perform the service for which
authority is requested and the fitness, willingness and ability of the
applicant to conform to the provisions of this chapter and the
requirements and regulations of the department under this chapter.
(c) Any interested party may bring a written petition to the
Department of Transportation in respect to fares, service, operation or
equipment, or the convenience, protection and safety of the public with
regard to any carrier operating a motor vehicle in livery service.
Thereupon, the department may fix a time and place for a hearing upon
such petition and give notice thereof. No permit shall be sold or
transferred until the department, upon written application to it setting Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 20 of 62
forth the purpose, terms and conditions thereof and accompanied by a
fee of two hundred dollars, after investigation, approves the same. The
department may amend or, for sufficient cause shown, may suspend or
revoke any such permit. The department may order appropriate
corrective action as the department deems necessary, including, but not
limited to, the attendance of a motor vehicle operator retraining
program. The department may impose a civil penalty on any person or
any officer of any association, limited liability company or corporation
who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted
under section 13b-102, as amended by this act, with respect to fares,
service, operation, [or] equipment, management or staffing, in an
amount not to exceed one thousand dollars per day for each violation.
Prior to the imposition of a civil penalty under this subsection, the
department shall provide notice to [said] such person or officer no later
than fifteen business days after receipt of information concerning an
alleged violation and shall provide an opportunity for a hearing.
[(d) The owner or operator of each motor vehicle in livery service
shall display in such vehicle such permit or a memorandum thereof.]
[(e)] (d) (1) Any person who holds himself or herself out to be the
operator of a motor vehicle in livery service who has not received a
permit under this section shall be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
(2) The state shall remit to a municipality fifty per cent of the fine
amount received for a violation of subdivision (1) of this subsection with
respect to each summons issued by such municipality. Each clerk of the
Superior Court or the Chief Court Administrator, or any other official of
the Superior Court designated by the Chief Court Administrator, shall,
on or before the thirtieth day of January, April, July and October in each
year, certify to the Comptroller the amount due for the previous quarter
under this subsection to each municipality served by the office of the
clerk or official. Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 21 of 62
[(f)] (e) The Department of Transportation may revoke a permit
issued under this section or section 13b-105 without a hearing, provided
(1) the department sends a notice of revocation to the permit holder at
the address of the permit holder on file with the department and (A) the
notice is returned as undeliverable or could not be delivered, or (B) the
permit holder fails to respond to the notice within the time period
specified by the department in such notice, (2) the department conducts
a physical inspection of the address of the permit holder on file with the
department and determines that no livery service is operated at such
address, and (3) no motor vehicle is registered by the permit holder with
the Department of Motor Vehicles to be used as specified in the permit
pursuant to section 13b-106.
Sec. 12. Subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 13b-102 of the
general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective October 1, 2023):
(a) (1) Each person, association, limited liability company or
corporation owning or operating a motor vehicle in livery service shall
be subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, and
the department may prescribe adequate service and reasonable rates
and charges and prescribe and establish such reasonable regulations, in
accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, with respect to fares,
service, operation, [and] equipment, management and staffing as it
deems necessary for the convenience, protection, safety and best
interests of passengers and the public.
Sec. 13. Subsection (f) of section 13a-26 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from
passage):
(f) The provisions of this part restricting the use and accommodation
of motor vehicle traffic on parkways to noncommercial vehicles shall
not apply to use of the Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways by (1) Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 22 of 62
taxicabs, as defined in section 13b-95, (2) vanpool vehicles, as defined in
section 14-1, [or] (3) service buses, service buses for students with special
needs, or two-axle, four-wheeled type II, registered school buses with a
gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand pounds or less, which are
owned by or under contract to a public, private or religious school or
public school district and which are engaged in the transportation of
school children to and from school or school activities, provided (A)
such service buses conform to the regulations establishing the
maximum weight, length, height or width of vehicles permitted to use
such parkways; (B) such school buses are not more than ninety-eight
inches high, eighty-four inches wide and two hundred three inches
long; and (C) such service buses for students with special needs are not
more than one hundred twenty inches high, ninety inches wide and two
hundred eighty-eight inches long, (4) vehicles with a gross vehicle
weight rating of seven thousand five hundred pounds or less, even if
such vehicles contain any branding, advertising or logos thereon, or (5)
commercial motor vehicles used by an automobile club or association,
licensed in accordance with the provisions of section 14-67, solely for the
purpose of providing roadside assistance to vehicles located on the
parkway, provided such commercial motor vehicles confirm to the
regulations establishing the maximum length, height or width of
vehicles permitted to use such parkways. The Office of the State Traffic
Administration shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54,
establishing the maximum allowable length and height for any vanpool
vehicle using said Merritt and Wilbur Cross Parkways and [, not later
than July 1, 1984, publish in the Connecticut Law Journal a notice of
intent to adopt proposed regulations, as defined in section 4-166,]
reducing the maximum weight, length, height or width of, or limiting
the registration classes of, motor vehicles permitted to use such
parkways, in order to fully carry out the prohibition on the operation of
commercial motor vehicles on such parkways.
Sec. 14. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2023) (a) For the purposes of this Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 23 of 62
section, (1) "commercial motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle
designed or used to transport merchandise or freight and bearing
commercial registration, and (2) "parkway" has the same meaning as
provided in section 13a-26, as amended by this act.
(b) No person shall operate any commercial motor vehicle, nor shall
the owner or lessee of any commercial motor vehicle allow such motor
vehicle to be operated, upon a parkway in this state.
(c) The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to a
person operating a commercial motor vehicle upon a parkway pursuant
to subdivision (4) or (5) of subsection (f) of section 13a-26 of the general
statutes, as amended by this act, or any regulation adopted by the Office
of State Traffic Administration under section 14-298 of the general
statutes.
(d) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall, for a
first violation, be fined five hundred dollars and, for any subsequent
violation, be fined one thousand dollars. Such fines shall be assessed
against the owner of a commercial motor vehicle when the owner, the
owner's agent or employee is the operator of such vehicle, or against the
lessee of such vehicle when the lessee, the lessee's agent or employee is
the operator of a leased or rented commercial motor vehicle.
Sec. 15. Subsection (b) of section 51-164n of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October
1, 2023):
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, any person
who is alleged to have committed (1) a violation under the provisions of
section 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 2-71h, 4b-13, 7-13, 7-14, 7-35 or 7-41, subsection (c)
of section 7-66, section 7-83, 7-147h, 7-148, 7-148f, 7-148o, 7-283, 7-325, 7-
393, 8-12, 8-25, 8-27, 9-63, 9-322, 9-350, 10-185, 10-193, 10-197, 10-198, 10-
230, 10-251, 10-254, 10a-35, 12-52, 12-54, 12-129b or 12-170aa, subdivision Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 24 of 62
(3) of subsection (e) of section 12-286, section 12-286a, 12-292, 12-314b or
12-326g, subdivision (4) of section 12-408, subdivision (3), (5) or (6) of
section 12-411, section 12-435c, 12-476a, 12-476b, 12-476c, or 12-487,
section 14 of this act, section 13a-71, 13a-107, 13a-113, 13a-114, 13a-115,
13a-117b, 13a-123, 13a-124, 13a-139, 13a-140, 13a-143b, 13a-253, 13a-263
or 13b-39f, subsection (f) of section 13b-42, section 13b-90 or 13b-100,
subsection (a) of section 13b-108, section 13b-221 or 13b-292, subsection
(a) or (b) of section 13b-324, section 13b-336, 13b-337, 13b-338, 13b-410a,
13b-410b or 13b-410c, subsection (a), (b) or (c) of section 13b-412, section
13b-414 or 14-4, subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-12,
subsection (d) of section 14-12, subsection (f) of section 14-12a,
subsection (a) of section 14-15a, section 14-16c, 14-20a or 14-27a,
subsection (f) of section 14-34a, subsection (d) of section 14-35, section
14-43, 14-44j, 14-49, 14-50a, 14-58 or 14-62a, subsection (b) of section 14-
66, section 14-66a or 14-67a, subsection (g) of section 14-80, subsection
(f) or (i) of section 14-80h, section 14-97a or 14-98, subsection (a), (b) or
(d) of section 14-100a, section 14-100b, 14-103a, 14-106a, 14-106c, 14-145a
or 14-146, subsection (b) of section 14-147, section 14-152, 14-153, 14-161
or 14-163b, subsection (f) of section 14-164i, section 14-213b or 14-219,
subdivision (1) of section 14-223a, subsection (d) of section 14-224, as
amended by this act, section 14-240, 14-250, 14-253a, 14-261a, 14-262, 14-
264, 14-266, 14-267a, 14-269, 14-270, 14-272b, 14-274, 14-275 or 14-275a,
subsection (c) of section 14-275c, section 14-276, subsection (a) or (b) of
section 14-277, section 14-278, 14-279 or 14-280, subsection (b), (e) or (h)
of section 14-283, section 14-283d, 14-283e, 14-283f, 14-283g, 14-291, 14-
293b, 14-296aa, 14-298a, 14-300, as amended by this act, 14-300d, 14-300f,
14-319, 14-320, 14-321, 14-325a, 14-326, 14-330 or 14-332a, subdivision
(1), (2) or (3) of section 14-386a, section 15-15e, 15-25 or 15-33,
subdivision (1) of section 15-97, subsection (a) of section 15-115, section
16-15, 16-16, 16-44, 16-256e, 16-278 or 16a-15, subsection (a) of section
16a-21, section 16a-22, subsection (a) or (b) of section 16a-22h, section
16a-106, 17a-24, 17a-145, 17a-149 or 17a-152, subsection (b) of section
17a-227, section 17a-465, subsection (c) of section 17a-488, section 17b- Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 25 of 62
124, 17b-131, 17b-137, 19a-33, 19a-39 or 19a-87, subsection (b) of section
19a-87a, section 19a-91, 19a-102a, 19a-102b, 19a-105, 19a-107, 19a-113,
19a-215, 19a-216a, 19a-219, 19a-222, 19a-224, 19a-286, 19a-287, 19a-297,
19a-301, 19a-309, 19a-335, 19a-336, 19a-338, 19a-339, 19a-340, 19a-425,
19a-442, 19a-502, 19a-565, 20-7a, 20-14, 20-153a, 20-158, 20-231, 20-233,
20-249, 20-257, 20-265, 20-324e, 20-329c or 20-329g, subsection (b) of
section 20-334, section 20-341l, 20-366, 20-482, 20-597, 20-608, 20-610, 20-
623, 21-1, 21-38, 21-39, 21-43, 21-47, 21-48 or 21-63, subsection (d) of
section 21-71, section 21-76a or 21-100, subsection (c) of section 21a-2,
subdivision (1) of section 21a-19, section 21a-20 or 21a-21, subdivision
(1) of subsection (b) of section 21a-25, section 21a-26 or 21a-30,
subsection (a) of section 21a-37, section 21a-46, 21a-61, 21a-63, 21a-70b
or 21a-77, subsection (b) or (c) of section 21a-79, section 21a-85 or 21a-
154, subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 21a-159, section 21a-278b,
subsection (c), (d) or (e) of section 21a-279a, section 21a-421eee, 21a-
421fff, 21a-421hhh, subsection (a) of section 21a-430, section 22-12b, 22-
13, 22-14, 22-15, 22-16, 22-26g, 22-30, 22-34, 22-35, 22-36, 22-38, 22-39, 22-
39f, 22-49, 22-54, 22-61j or 22-61l, subdivision (1) of subsection (n) of
section 22-61l, subsection (f) of section 22-61m, subdivision (1) of
subsection (f) of section 22-61m, section 22-84, 22-89, 22-90, 22-96, 22-98,
22-99, 22-100 or 22-111o, subsection (d) of section 22-118l, section 22-167,
subsection (c) of section 22-277, section 22-278, 22-279, 22-280a, 22-318a,
22-320h, 22-324a or 22-326, subsection (b), subdivision (1) or (2) of
subsection (e) or subsection (g) of section 22-344, subsection (a) or (b) of
section 22-344b, section 22-344c, subsection (d) of section 22-344d,
section 22-344f, 22-350a, 22-354, 22-359, 22-366, 22-391, 22-413, 22-414,
22-415, 22-415c, 22a-66a or 22a-246, subsection (a) of section 22a-250,
section 22a-256g, subsection (e) of section 22a-256h, section 22a-363 or
22a-381d, subsections (c) and (d) of section 22a-381e, section 22a-449,
22a-450, 22a-461, 23-4b, 23-38, 23-45, 23-46 or 23-61b, subsection (a) or
subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of section 23-65, section 25-37 or 25-40,
subsection (a) of section 25-43, section 25-43d, 25-135, 26-18, 26-19, 26-
21, 26-31, 26-40, 26-40a, 26-42, 26-43, 26-49, 26-54, 26-55, 26-56, 26-58 or Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 26 of 62
26-59, subdivision (1) of subsection (d) of section 26-61, section 26-64,
subdivision (1) of section 26-76, section 26-79, 26-87, 26-89, 26-91, 26-94,
26-97, 26-98, 26-104, 26-105, 26-107, 26-114a, 26-117, subsection (b) of
section 26-127, 26-128, 26-128a, 26-131, 26-132, 26-138, 26-139 or 26-141,
subdivision (1) of section 26-186, section 26-207, 26-215, 26-217 or 26-
224a, subdivision (1) of section 26-226, section 26-227, 26-230, 26-231, 26-
232, 26-244, 26-257a, 26-260, 26-276, 26-280, 26-284, 26-285, 26-286, 26-
287, 26-288, 26-290, 26-291a, 26-292, 26-294, 27-107, 28-13, 29-6a, 29-16,
29-17, 29-25, 29-143o, 29-143z or 29-156a, subsection (b), (d), (e), (g) or
(h) of section 29-161q, section 29-161y or 29-161z, subdivision (1) of
section 29-198, section 29-210, 29-243 or 29-277, subsection (c) of section
29-291c, section 29-316 or 29-318, subsection (b) of section 29-335a,
section 29-381, 30-19f, 30-48a or 30-86a, subsection (b) of section 30-89,
subsection (c) or (d) of section 30-117, section 31-3, 31-10, 31-11, 31-12,
31-13, 31-14, 31-15, 31-16, 31-18, 31-23, 31-24, 31-25, 31-32, 31-36, 31-38,
31-40, 31-44, 31-47 or 31-48, subsection (b) of section 31-48b, section 31-
51, 31-51g, 31-52, 31-52a, 31-53 or 31-54, subsection (a) or (c) of section
31-69, section 31-70, 31-74, 31-75, 31-76, 31-76a, 31-89b or 31-134,
subsection (i) of section 31-273, section 31-288, 31-348, 33-624, 33-1017,
34-13d or 34-412, subdivision (1) of section 35-20, subsection (a) of
section 36a-57, subsection (b) of section 36a-665, section 36a-699, 36a-
739, 36a-787, 38a-2 or 38a-140, subsection (a) or (b) of section 38a-278,
section 38a-479qq, 38a-479rr, 38a-506, 38a-548, 38a-626, 38a-680, 38a-713,
38a-733, 38a-764, 38a-786, 38a-828, 38a-829, 38a-885, 42-133hh, 42-230,
42-470 or 42-480, subsection (a) or (c) of section 43-16q, section 45a-283,
45a-450, 45a-634 or 45a-658, subdivision (13) or (14) of section 46a-54,
section 46a-59, 46a-81b, 46b-22, 46b-24, 46b-34, 46b-38d, 47-34a, 47-47 or
47-53, subsection (i) of section 47a-21, subdivision (1) of subsection (k)
of section 47a-21, section 49-2a, 49-8a, 49-16, 52-143 or 52-289, subsection
(j) of section 52-362, section 53-133, 53-199, 53-212a, 53-249a, 53-252, 53-
264, 53-280, 53-290a, 53-302a, 53-303e, 53-311a, 53-314, 53-321, 53-322, 53-
323 or 53-331, subsection (b) of section 53-343a, section 53-344,
subsection (b) or (c) of section 53-344b, subsection (b) of section 53-345a, Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 27 of 62
section 53-377, 53-422 or 53-450 or subsection (i) of section 54-36a, or (2)
a violation under the provisions of chapter 268, or (3) a violation of any
regulation adopted in accordance with the provisions of section 12-484,
12-487 or 13b-410, or (4) a violation of any ordinance, regulation or
bylaw of any town, city or borough, except violations of building codes
and the health code, for which the penalty exceeds ninety dollars but
does not exceed two hundred fifty dollars, unless such town, city or
borough has established a payment and hearing procedure for such
violation pursuant to section 7-152c, shall follow the procedures set
forth in this section.
Sec. 16. Section 13b-39a of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
[(a) The executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority shall
establish a program of registration for all aircraft in the state, in
accordance with which the] The owner of any aircraft, as defined in
subdivision (5) of section 15-34, which is based or primarily used at any
airport facility, heliport, air navigation facility, restricted landing area
or seaplane base in a municipality within this state shall, not later than
October 1, 1993, and annually thereafter, be required to register with the
municipality in which such aircraft is based or primarily used, by filing
an application form, or renewal thereof, and paying the appropriate
registration fee, as provided for in section 12-71, this section and section
13b-39b, as amended by this act. The owner of any aircraft which is
based or primarily used at any such air navigation facility or restricted
landing area in this state shall register such aircraft not later than July 1,
1994, and annually thereafter not later than the first of October. Any
aircraft shall be deemed to be based or primarily used in a municipality
when in the normal course of its use, it leaves from and returns to or
remains at one or more points within the municipality more often or
longer than at any other single location outside of the municipality.
[(b) The executive director, subject to the provisions of section 1-121, Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 28 of 62
shall adopt such rules and procedures as deemed necessary by said
executive director to implement the provisions of section 12-71, this
section and sections 13b-39b to 13b-39g, inclusive.]
Sec. 17. Section 13b-39b of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
The executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority shall
prepare and distribute to each municipality in which aircraft are based
or primarily used, forms and decals for the registration of aircraft and
the renewal of such registrations. [The registration forms shall contain
such information as the authority may prescribe, including, but not
limited to, information concerning (1) the form and identity of
ownership, including information as to whether such ownership is by
an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity, (2) the type of
aircraft, including the year of manufacture, the manufacturer, the model
and the certified gross weight, (3) the Federal Aviation Certificate
number, and (4) the location at which such aircraft is based or primarily
used in this state.] Each municipality shall designate a municipal
registration official who may be an official or employee of the
municipality or of any airport facility, heliport or seaplane base located
within the municipality, to utilize the information obtained pursuant to
section 13b-49a, as amended by this act, and perform the duties of
registration of aircraft as set forth in sections 13b-39a to 13b-39g,
inclusive, as amended by this act, and shall furnish to the executive
director, in writing, the name, address and telephone number of each
such official. The municipality shall immediately notify the executive
director upon any changes relative to the municipal registration official.
Sec. 18. Section 13b-39d of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
The owner shall pay a fee to the municipal registration official for
each aircraft so numbered or registered in accordance with the Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 29 of 62
following schedule:
Gross Weight (lbs.) Fee
Less than 3,000 $90.00
3,001 - 4,500 250.00
4,501 - 8,000 700.00
8,001 - 12,500 1,500.00
12,501 and over 2,500.00
Aircraft manufactured before 1946 shall pay the lesser of one hundred
dollars or the fee as required on the basis of gross weight as set forth in
this section. [The executive director may establish, by procedures
adopted in accordance with the provisions of section 1-121, a uniform
schedule for the expiration and renewal of registrations and may
prorate the fees in this section accordingly.] Any person or firm that
acquires ownership of an aircraft shall obtain a new registration in the
name of such owner within thirty days of the date of such acquisition,
provided no additional registration fee shall be payable in cases where
one or more new ownership interests are being added to the registration
or in cases of legal change of name of the registrant. All registrations
shall be renewed within thirty days of the date of expiration as stated in
the certificate. If a valid certificate or number decal is lost, mutilated or
destroyed, the aircraft owner shall notify the municipal registration
official within fifteen days, and such owner shall be issued a duplicate
certificate or number decal upon payment of a fee of five dollars.
Sec. 19. Section 13b-39g of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
Each municipality which issues and renews registrations for aircraft
in accordance with this section and sections 13b-39a to [13b-39g] 13b-
39f, inclusive, as amended by this act, may retain for its own use and
purposes, as a grant in lieu of property taxes, all revenue received from Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 30 of 62
the receipt of aircraft registration fees. [Each] On or before February 1,
2024, and annually thereafter, each such [participating] municipality
shall furnish the executive director with [such reports] a report
concerning [the total amount of fees received pursuant to sections 12-71
and 13b-39a to 13b-39g, inclusive,] the number of registrations issued,
the names of registrants and the descriptions of aircraft registered
during the preceding calendar year.
Sec. 20. Section 13b-50 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) The executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority is
authorized to cooperate with the government of the United States or any
agency or department thereof in the acquisition, construction,
improvement, maintenance and operation of airports, heliports, landing
fields and other aeronautical facilities in this state where federal
financial aid is received and to comply with the provisions of the laws
of the United States and any regulations made thereunder for the
expenditure of federal moneys upon such airports, heliports and
facilities. The executive director is authorized to accept, receive and
receipt for federal or other moneys for and on behalf of this state or any
political subdivision thereof for the acquisition, construction,
improvement, maintenance and operation of facilities within this state.
All moneys accepted for disbursement by the executive director
pursuant to this subsection shall be [deposited in the state treasury and]
disbursed in accordance with the provisions of the respective grants.
(b) Any municipality is authorized to accept, receive and receipt for
federal moneys and other moneys, either public or private, for the
acquisition, construction, enlargement, improvement, maintenance,
equipment or operation of airports and other air navigation facilities
and sites therefor and to comply with the provisions of the laws of the
United States and any rules and regulations made thereunder for the
expenditure of federal moneys upon such airports and facilities. No Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 31 of 62
municipality shall submit to the administrator of civil aeronautics of the
United States any project application under the provisions of Section
9(a) of Public Law 377, 79th Congress, or any amendment thereof, unless
the project and the project application have been approved by the
executive director.
(c) Any municipality is authorized to designate by ordinance the
executive director as its agent to accept, receive and receipt for federal
moneys in its behalf for airport purposes and to contract for the
acquisition, construction, enlargement, improvement, maintenance,
equipment or operation of such airports or other air navigation facilities,
and may enter into an agreement with the executive director prescribing
the terms and conditions of such agency in accordance with federal
laws, rules and regulations and applicable laws of this state. Such
moneys as are paid by the United States government shall be paid to
such municipality under such terms and conditions as may be imposed
by the United States in making such grant.
(d) All contracts for the acquisition, construction, enlargement,
improvement, maintenance, equipment or operation of airports or other
air navigation facilities, made by the municipality itself or through the
executive director, shall be made pursuant to the laws of this state
governing the making of like contracts; provided, where such
acquisition, construction, improvement, enlargement, maintenance,
equipment or operation is financed wholly or partly with federal
moneys, the municipality, or the executive director as its agent, may let
contracts in the manner prescribed by the federal authorities, acting
under the laws of the United States, and any rules or regulations made
thereunder, notwithstanding any other state law to the contrary.
(e) The executive director may render financial assistance by grant of
funds to any municipality or municipalities acting jointly in the
planning, acquisition, construction or improvement of an airport owned
or controlled, or to be owned or controlled, by such municipality or Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 32 of 62
municipalities. [, out of appropriations made by the General Assembly
for such purposes.] Such financial assistance may be furnished in
connection with federal or other financial aid for the same purposes for
not more than seventy-five per cent of the cost exclusive of federal aid.
The executive director may establish procedures to be followed in
granting funds under this subsection and may prescribe forms to be
used in connection therewith.
(f) The executive director may, whenever the executive director
considers such assistance desirable or feasible, make available
engineering and other technical services of the executive director, with
or without charge, to any municipality or owner of a commercial airport
requesting such services in connection with the planning, acquisition,
construction, improvement, maintenance or operation of airports or
aeronautical facilities.
(g) Any town, city or borough may lease any airport or contract for
any airport facilities or privileges from any person, firm or corporation,
municipal or private, operating a municipal or private airport in any
location which has been approved by the executive director.
Sec. 21. Section 13b-47 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) In determining whether to issue a certificate of approval or license
for the use or operation of any proposed [commercial] public use air
navigation facility, the executive director of the Connecticut Airport
Authority shall take into consideration (1) its proposed location, size
and layout, (2) its relationship to any comprehensive plan for state-wide
and nation-wide development, (3) the availability of areas suitable for
safe future expansion, (4) the freedom of adjoining areas from
obstructions based on a proper glide ratio, (5) the nature of the terrain
and of the uses to which the proposed [airport] facility will be put, and
(6) the possibilities for future development. Prior to the issuance of a Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 33 of 62
certificate of approval, license or license renewal, each proposed or
existing public use air navigation facility shall provide documentation
to the authority, in such form as the executive director may prescribe,
that the factors described in subdivisions (1) to (6), inclusive, of this
subsection demonstrate that such facility will provide or currently
provides for safe aircraft operations.
(b) In determining whether to issue a certificate of approval or license
for the use or operation of any proposed private use air navigation
facility, the executive director shall take into consideration: (1) Its
proposed location, size and layout; (2) the freedom of adjacent areas
from obstructions based on a proper glide ratio; (3) the nature of the
terrain and the uses to which the proposed air navigation facility will be
put; (4) the type of equipment to be utilized and the flight experience of
the operator; (5) the amount of noise to be produced at such facility; and
(6) such other factors as the executive director deems appropriate. Prior
to the issuance of a certificate of approval, license or license renewal,
each proposed or existing private use air navigation facility shall
provide documentation to the authority, in such form as the executive
director may prescribe, that the factors described in subdivisions (1) to
(6), inclusive, of this subsection demonstrate that such facility will
provide or currently provides for safe aircraft operations.
Sec. 22. Section 13b-49a of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) Not later than July thirty-first annually, the owner or operator of
any airport, heliport, restricted landing area, seaplane base or other air
navigation facility licensed under the provisions of section 13b-46 shall
submit to the executive director and the municipality in which the
aircraft is based, the following information with respect to an aircraft
which is based or primarily used at such facility as of July first of such
year: (1) The [name] identity and address of the owner [thereof] and
form of ownership, including information as to whether the owner is an Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 34 of 62
individual, partnership, corporation or other entity; (2) the type of
aircraft, including the year of manufacture, the manufacturer, the model
and the certified gross weight; and (3) the Federal Aviation Aircraft
Registration number. [The executive director shall forward such
information to the municipality in which an aircraft is based.]
(b) The executive director, after notice and opportunity for hearing,
may suspend or revoke the license of any such facility in the event the
owner or operator thereof knowingly or intentionally fails to comply
with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.
Sec. 23. Section 13b-50a of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
The following initiatives shall be established to preserve
Connecticut's licensed privately owned, publicly used airports which
have a paved runway and a minimum of five thousand operations per
year: (1) The state shall have the right of first refusal to purchase, via fair
market value and state property acquisition procedures, an airport, if
that airport is threatened with sale or closure, for the express purpose of
preserving the airport; (2) the executive director may acquire the
development rights, based on fair market value for such rights, of such
airports, provided the airport remains a public airport; (3) the state
[shall] may fund capital improvements to private airports, in which case
the state [shall participate in] may fund not more than ninety per cent of
the eligible costs and the balance by the sponsor, with budget and
priorities to be determined by the executive director, and engineering in
accordance with Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circulars;
and (4) the establishment of a new airport zoning category for the
airport's imaginary surfaces as defined by Federal Aviation Regulations
and a program to mitigate noise in airport neighborhoods in which the
noise exceeds applicable Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Such program may be combined with existing energy conservation
programs. Funding for such program shall be from available federal Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 35 of 62
resources.
Sec. 24. Section 15-44 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
The executive director [, and] of the Connecticut Airport Authority,
aeronautics inspectors of the authority, [and] each state, county and
municipal officer charged with the enforcement of state and municipal
laws and each special police officer, appointed under section 29-19, shall
enforce and assist in the enforcement of this chapter and of all
regulations made pursuant thereto, and of all other laws of this state
relating to aeronautics.
Sec. 25. Subsection (a) of section 15-76 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2023):
(a) The executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, any
employee of the authority, any officer attached to an organized police
department, any state police officer or any constable, within his or her
precinct, upon discovery of any aircraft apparently abandoned, whether
situated within or without any airport or landing field in this state, shall
take such aircraft into custody and may cause the same to be taken to
and stored in a suitable place. All charges necessarily incurred by such
person in the performance of such duty shall be a lien upon such aircraft.
The owner or keeper of any hangar or other place where such aircraft is
stored shall have a lien upon the same for storage charges. If such
aircraft has been so stored for a period of ninety days, such owner or
keeper may sell the same at public auction for cash, at such owner's or
keeper's place of business, and apply the avails of such sale toward the
payment of such owner's or keeper's charges and the payment of any
debt or obligation incurred by the person who placed the same in
storage, provided such sale shall be advertised three times in a
newspaper published or having a circulation in the town where such Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 36 of 62
hangar or other place is located, such advertisement to commence at
least five days before such sale; and, if the last place of abode of the
owner of such aircraft is known to or may be ascertained by such hangar
owner or keeper by the exercise of reasonable diligence, notice of the
time and place of sale shall be given such owner by mailing such notice
to the owner in a registered or certified letter, postage paid, at such last
usual place of abode, at least five days before the time of sale. The
proceeds of such sale, after deducting the amount due such hangar
owner or keeper and all expenses connected with such sale, including
the expenses of the officer who placed such aircraft in storage, shall be
paid to the owner of such aircraft or the owner's legal representatives, if
claimed by such owner or representatives, at any time within one year
from the date of such sale. If such balance is not claimed within [said]
such period, it shall escheat to the [state] authority.
Sec. 26. Section 15-90 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2023):
[The executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority is
directed to] Each publicly owned airport owner or operator shall
formulate and adopt, and [from time to time as may be] revise as
necessary, [revise,] an airport approach plan. [for each publicly owned
airport in the state.] Each such plan shall indicate the circumstances in
which structures or trees or both are or would be airport hazards, the
area within which measures for the protection of the airport's aerial
approaches should be taken and what the height limits and other
objectives of such measures should be. In adopting or revising any such
plan, [the executive director] such owner or operator shall consider,
among other things, the character of the flying operations expected to
be conducted at the airport, the nature of the terrain, the height of
existing structures and trees above the level of the airport, the
practicability of lowering or removing existing obstructions and all
other material matters. [, and the executive director] Such owner or Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 37 of 62
operator may obtain and consider the views of the agency of the federal
government charged with the fostering of civil aeronautics as to the
aerial approaches necessary to safe flying operations at the airport.
Sec. 27. Section 15-101m of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
[(a)] Subject to the provisions of the general statutes and resolution
authorizing the issuance of bonds pursuant to subsection (a) of section
15-101l, the [Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to] executive
director of the Connecticut Airport Authority shall fix, revise, charge
and collect rates, rents, fees and charges for the use of and for the
services furnished or to be furnished by the facilities of Bradley
International Airport and to contract with any person, partnership,
association or corporation, or other body, public or private, in respect
thereof. [except that, the commissioner shall not impose any fee, charge
or commission on the gross revenues of off-airport parking operators
for the right to access said airport that exceeds five per cent of such gross
revenues for calendar quarters commencing on or after July 1, 1997, and
prior to July 1, 1998, and four per cent of such gross revenues for
calendar quarters commencing on or after July 1, 1998.] Such rates, rents,
fees and charges shall be fixed and adjusted in respect of the aggregate
of rates, rents, fees and charges from the operation of Bradley
International Airport so as to provide funds sufficient with other
revenues or moneys available therefor, if any, (1) to pay the cost of
maintaining, repairing and operating the facilities of Bradley
International Airport and each and every portion thereof, to the extent
that the payment of such cost has not otherwise been adequately
provided for, (2) to pay the principal of and the interest on any
outstanding revenue obligations of the state or the authority issued in
respect of the project as the same shall become due and payable, and (3)
to create and maintain reserves and sinking funds required or provided
for in any resolution authorizing, or trust agreement securing, such Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 38 of 62
bonds. A sufficient amount of the revenues as may be necessary to pay
the cost of maintenance, repair and operation and to provide reserves
and for renewals, replacements, extensions, enlargements and
improvements as may be provided for in the resolution authorizing the
issuance of any bonds or in the trust agreement securing the same, shall
be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in such
resolution or trust agreement in a reserve, sinking or other similar fund
which is hereby pledged to, and charged with, the payment of the
principal of and the interest on such bonds as the same shall become
due, and the redemption price or the purchase price of bonds retired by
call or purchase as therein provided. The use and disposition of moneys
to the credit of such reserve, sinking or other similar fund shall be
subject to the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of
such bonds or of such trust agreement.
[(b) The Department of Transportation shall designate the beginning
and ending dates of the fiscal year for the operation of Bradley
International Airport. Each year, within ninety days prior to the
beginning of the next ensuing fiscal year, the Department of
Transportation shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of the Office of
Policy and Management an annual operating budget for Bradley
International Airport for such fiscal year, providing for (1) payment of
the costs of maintaining, repairing and operating the facilities of Bradley
International Airport and each and every portion thereof during such
fiscal year, to the extent that the payment of such costs has not otherwise
been adequately provided for, (2) the payment of the principal of and
interest on any outstanding revenue obligations of the state issued in
respect of the project and becoming due and payable in such fiscal year
and (3) the creation and maintenance of reserves and sinking funds
required or provided for in any resolution authorizing, or trust
agreement securing, such bonds. Such annual operating budget shall
include an estimate of revenues from the rates, rents, fees and charges
fixed by the Department of Transportation pursuant to subsection (a), Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 39 of 62
and from any and all other sources, to meet the estimated expenditures
of Bradley International Airport for such fiscal year. Within thirty days
prior to the first day of such fiscal year the Secretary of the Office of
Policy and Management shall approve said annual operating budget,
with such changes, amendments, additions and deletions as shall be
agreed upon prior to that date by the Department of Transportation and
the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. The annual
operating budget of Bradley International Airport as so approved shall
take effect as of the date of its approval. On or before the twentieth day
of each month, including the month next preceding the first month of
the fiscal year to which the annual operating budget applies, the
Treasurer or the trustee under any trust indenture securing the bonds
issued under subsection (a) of section 15-101l shall pay to the
Department of Transportation out of the funds available for such
purpose such amount as may be necessary to make the amount then
held by said department for the payment of operating expenses of
Bradley International Airport equal to such amount as shall be
necessary for the payment of such operating expenses during the next
ensuing two months, as shown by the annual operating budget for such
fiscal year. Except as otherwise provided in sections 15-101k to 15-101p,
inclusive, either expressly or by implication, all provisions of the general
statutes governing state employees and state property, and all other
provisions of the general statutes applicable to Bradley International
Airport, shall continue in effect. All pension, retirement or other similar
benefits vested or acquired at any time before or after July 1, 1981, with
respect to any state employees shall continue unaffected and as if the
salaries and wages of such employees continued to be paid out of the
general funds of the state.
(c) On the day the Department of Transportation submits an annual
operating budget for Bradley International Airport to the Secretary of
the Office of Policy and Management pursuant to subsection (b) of this
section, the department shall submit a copy of such budget to the joint Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 40 of 62
standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of
matters relating to appropriations and the budgets of state agencies,
through the legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis. Upon the approval of
the annual operating budget, the department shall submit a copy of the
budget as so approved to said joint standing committee, through the
Office of Fiscal Analysis.]
Sec. 28. Subsection (b) of section 15-120ii of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2023):
(b) The authority shall designate the beginning and ending dates of
the fiscal year for the operation of Bradley, the general aviation airports
and any other airports. [Each year, within thirty days prior to the
beginning of the next ensuing fiscal year, the] The authority shall
approve an annual operating budget for Bradley, the general aviation
airports and any other airports for each such fiscal year, providing for
(1) payment of the costs of maintaining, repairing and operating the
facilities of Bradley, the general aviation airports and any other airports
and each and every portion thereof during such fiscal year, to the extent
that the payment of such costs has not otherwise been adequately
provided for, (2) the payment of the principal of and interest on any
outstanding revenue obligations of the authority, including obligations
of the state that may be assumed by the authority, becoming due and
payable in such fiscal year, and (3) the creation and maintenance of
reserves and sinking funds, and compliance with rate covenants,
required, permitted or provided for in any resolution authorizing, or
trust agreement securing, such obligations. Such annual operating
budget shall include an estimate of revenues from the rates, rents, fees
and charges fixed by the authority pursuant to subsection (a) of this
section, and from any and all other sources, to meet the estimated
expenditures of Bradley, the general aviation airports and any other
airports for such fiscal year. The annual operating budget of Bradley, Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 41 of 62
the general aviation airports and any other airports as so approved shall
take effect as of the date of its approval. On or before the twentieth day
of each month, including the month next preceding the first month of
the fiscal year to which the annual operating budget applies, the
authority or the trustee under any trust indenture securing the bonds
issued under section 15-120ff, at the direction of the authority, shall
transfer to operating advance accounts established by the authority
from the funds available for such purpose such amount as may be
necessary to make the amount then held within such accounts for the
payment of operating expenses of Bradley, the general aviation airports
and any other airports equal to such amount as shall be necessary for
the payment of such operating expenses during the next ensuing two
months, as shown by the annual operating budget for such fiscal year.
Except as otherwise provided in sections 15-120aa to 15-120oo,
inclusive, either expressly or by implication, all provisions of the general
statutes governing state employees and state property, and all other
provisions of the general statutes applicable to Bradley, the general
aviation airports and any other airports, shall continue in effect. All
pension, retirement or other similar benefits vested or acquired at any
time before or after July 1, 1981, with respect to any state employees
shall continue unaffected and as if the salaries and wages of such
employees continued to be paid out of the general funds of the state.
Sec. 29. Subsection (d) of section 13b-97 of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2023):
(d) Any person, association, limited liability company or corporation
which has obtained a certificate under subsection (a) of this section, after
providing proof that service has been active [, adequate within the
territory specified in such certificate] and in compliance with all relevant
statutes and regulations, [for a period of not less than two years since
such certificate was obtained,] may solicit, receive and discharge taxicab Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 42 of 62
passengers at Bradley International Airport, subject to formal
agreement with the [Commissioner of Transportation provided such
agreement shall not take precedence over its obligation to provide
taxicab service within the territory specified in such certificate]
executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. Any such
person, association, limited liability company or corporation may
discharge taxicab passengers received at such airport within a territory
other than the territory specified in its certificate. The [commissioner]
executive director may charge and collect a reasonable fee from any
such person, association, limited liability company or corporation for
the privilege of solicitation of such passengers.
Sec. 30. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2023) (a) No person shall operate,
nor any owner permit operation of, an aircraft based or hangered in this
state unless there is a liability insurance policy on such aircraft that
covers the owner and pilot for claims by passengers or other persons for
any injuries to such passengers or other persons or their property that
might arise out of the operation of such aircraft.
(b) The liability insurance shall provide coverage of at least (1) five
hundred thousand dollars for damages by reason of bodily injury or
death or for property damages per accident, and (2) one hundred
thousand dollars for damages by reason of bodily injury or death or for
property damages per passenger seat.
(c) Each owner or operator of an air navigation facility in the state
shall maintain a list of aircraft based or hangered at such air navigation
facility. Such list shall include for each such aircraft: (1) The registration
number, type and model of the aircraft, (2) the name and address of the
owner or operator of the aircraft, (3) the period of time the aircraft has
been based or hangered at the air navigation facility, (4) the liability
insurance policy or binder number, (5) the name of the insurance
company as shown on the liability insurance policy, and (6) the name of
the liability insurance agent or broker. Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 43 of 62
(d) The owner or operator of an aircraft based or hangered in the state
shall provide proof of aircraft liability insurance satisfying the coverage
required pursuant to this section upon request of the executive director
of the Connecticut Airport Authority, any official of the authority or a
law enforcement officer.
(e) The provisions of this section shall not apply to aircraft regulated
under 14 CFR 205, as amended from time to time.
Sec. 31. Section 15-120bb of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):
(a) There is hereby established and created a body politic and
corporate, constituting a public instrumentality and political
subdivision of the state of Connecticut established and created for the
performance of an essential public and governmental function, to be
known as the Connecticut Airport Authority. The authority shall not be
construed to be a department, institution or agency of the state.
(b) The powers of the authority shall be vested in and exercised by a
board of directors, which shall consist of eleven members, appointed as
follows: (1) (A) The Treasurer or the Treasurer's designee, (B) the
Commissioner of Transportation or the commissioner's designee, and
(C) the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development or
the commissioner's designee, each serving ex officio; (2) one appointed
by the speaker of the House of Representatives for a term of four years;
(3) one appointed by the minority leader of the House of
Representatives for a term of four years; (4) one appointed by the
president pro tempore of the Senate for a term of four years; and (5) one
appointed by the minority leader of the Senate for a term of four years.
Thereafter, such members of the General Assembly shall appoint
members of the board to succeed such appointees whose terms expire
and each member so appointed shall hold office for a period of four
years from the first day of July in the year of his or her appointment. The Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 44 of 62
Governor shall appoint four members to the board as follows: (A) Two
members for two years; and (B) two members for four years. Thereafter,
the Governor shall appoint members of the board to succeed such
appointees whose terms expire and each member so appointed shall
hold office for a period of four years from July first in the year of his or
her appointment. Appointed directors shall have business and
management experience and shall include individuals who have
experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: (i)
Financial planning, (ii) budgeting and assessment, (iii) marketing, (iv)
master planning, (v) aviation, and (vi) transportation management.
(c) Appointed directors may not designate a representative to
perform in their absence their respective duties under this section. Any
appointed director who fails to attend three consecutive meetings of the
board or who fails to attend fifty per cent of all meetings of the board
held during any calendar year shall be deemed to have resigned from
the board. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall
be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance
of the unexpired term.
(d) The board of directors of the authority shall appoint an executive
director who shall not be a member of the board and who shall serve at
the pleasure of the board and receive such compensation as shall be
fixed by the board. The executive director shall be the chief
administrative officer of the authority and shall direct and supervise
administrative affairs and technical activities in accordance with the
directives of the board. The executive director shall approve all accounts
for salaries, allowable expenses of the authority or of any employee or
consultant thereof, and expenses incidental to the operation of the
authority. The executive director shall perform such other duties as may
be directed by the board in carrying out the purposes of subdivision (12)
of section 1-79, sections 1-120, 1-124 and 1-125, subsection (f) of section
4b-3, sections 13b-4 and 13b-42, subsection (a) of section 13b-44 and Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 45 of 62
sections 15-101aa and 15-120aa to 15-120oo, inclusive. The executive
director shall be exempt from the classified service. The executive
director shall attend all meetings of the board, keep a record of the
proceedings of the authority and shall maintain and be custodian of all
books, documents and papers filed with the authority and of the minute
book or journal of the authority and of its official seal. The executive
director may cause copies to be made of all minutes and other records
and documents of the authority and may give certificates under the
official seal of the authority to the effect that such copies are true copies,
and all persons dealing with the authority may rely upon such
certificates.
(e) Each director shall be entitled to reimbursement for such director's
actual and necessary expenses incurred during the performance of such
director's official duties.
(f) Directors may engage in private employment, or in a profession or
business, subject to any applicable laws, rules and regulations of the
state or federal government regarding official ethics or conflict of
interest.
(g) Six directors of the authority shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the authority.
For the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the
authority, and except as otherwise provided in this section, the
authority may act by a majority of the directors present at any meeting
at which a quorum is in attendance.
(h) The board may delegate to six or more directors such board
powers and duties as it may deem necessary and proper in conformity
with the provisions of this section and its bylaws.
(i) The appointing authority for any director may remove such
director for inefficiency, neglect of duty or misconduct in office after Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 46 of 62
giving the director a copy of the charges against the director and an
opportunity to be heard, in person or by counsel, in the director's
defense, upon not less than ten days' notice. If any director shall be so
removed, the appointing authority for such director shall file in the
office of the Secretary of the State a complete statement of charges made
against such director and the appointing authority's findings on such
statement of charges, together with a complete record of the
proceedings.
(j) The authority shall continue as long as it has bonds or other
obligations outstanding and until its existence is terminated by law.
Upon the termination of the existence of the authority, all its rights and
properties shall pass to and be vested in the state of Connecticut.
(k) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, it shall not
constitute a conflict of interest for a trustee, director, partner or officer
of any person, firm or corporation, or any individual having a financial
interest in a person, firm or corporation, to serve as a director of the
authority, provided such trustee, director, partner, officer or individual
shall abstain from deliberation, action or vote by the authority in specific
respect to such person, firm or corporation.
(l) The Governor shall appoint the chairperson of the board, who shall
serve for a term of four years. The board shall elect from its members a
vice chairperson and such other officers as it deems necessary.
Vacancies among any officers shall be filled within thirty days following
the occurrence of such vacancy in the same manner as the original
selection. Said board shall establish bylaws to govern its procedures and
shall appoint such committees and advisory boards as may be
convenient or necessary in the transaction of its business.
(m) The initial members of the board may begin service immediately
upon appointment, but shall not serve past the sixth Wednesday of the
next regular session of the General Assembly unless qualified in the Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 47 of 62
manner provided in section 4-7. Thereafter, all appointments shall be
made with the advice and consent of both houses of the General
Assembly, in the manner provided in section 4-19.
[(n) The executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority shall
establish an advisory committee to consult with on matters relating to
Bradley International Airport and business related to said airport. The
committee may consist of not more than six members, one of whom
shall be appointed by the cochairpersons of the joint standing committee
of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to
transportation, and one of whom shall be appointed by the ranking
members of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation. The advisory
committee shall consist of residents of and representatives of businesses
located in the Bradley Airport development zone, as well as one or more
representatives from western Massachusetts. Members of such advisory
committee may attend public meetings of the Connecticut Airport
Authority and monthly managers' meetings of the Connecticut Airport
Authority.]
Sec. 32. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2023) (a) Not later than October 1,
2030, and biennially thereafter, the Commissioner of Transportation, in
consultation with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental
Protection, shall establish a transportation carbon dioxide reduction
target for the state that sets the maximum amount of carbon dioxide
emissions permitted from the transportation sector. The commissioners
shall consider the long-term emission reductions required by section
22a-200a of the general statutes when establishing the transportation
carbon dioxide reduction target.
(b) The Commissioner of Transportation shall develop and
implement a strategic plan to ensure transportation projects that are
included in the state transportation improvement plan, developed
pursuant to 49 USC 5304(g), as amended from time to time, do not Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 48 of 62
exceed the maximum amount of carbon dioxide emissions established
in the transportation carbon dioxide reduction target for the state
pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. The strategic plan shall
include, but need not be limited to, (1) a definition of "transportation
project" that excludes transportation projects designated as exempt
pursuant to 40 CFR 93.126 to 40 CFR 93.128, inclusive, as amended from
time to time, (2) the methodology for calculating the carbon dioxide
emissions expected from future transportation projects, and (3) a
description of carbon dioxide mitigation transportation projects,
including, but not limited to, improving public transportation,
constructing bikeways, pedestrian walkways or other multiuse trails or
paths and installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Not later
than July 1, 2028, the commissioner shall submit, in accordance with the
provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, the strategic plan to
the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having
cognizance of matters relating to transportation and the environment.
(c) The Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the
Commissioner of Energy and Environmental P rotection, shall
implement a public outreach plan to ensure sufficient public and
stakeholder engagement in the development of the transportation
carbon dioxide reduction target and the strategic plan required under
subsection (b) of this section.
(d) On or before January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter until
January 1, 2030, the Commissioner of Transportation shall submit, in
accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes,
a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation and the
environment. Such report shall include, but need not be limited to, the
status of the development of the transportation carbon dioxide
reduction target for the state, the strategic plan and a description and
the results of any public outreach conducted pursuant to subsection (c) Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 49 of 62
of this section.
(e) On or before October 1, 2030, and biennially thereafter, the
Commissioner of Transportation shall submit, in accordance with the
provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing
committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters
relating to transportation and the environment, a copy of the
transportation carbon dioxide reduction target for the state and any
recommendations for legislation to implement such target.
Sec. 33. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) The Department of
Transportation shall develop, and thereafter revise as necessary,
guidelines governing tree and vegetation management, removal and
replacement along state highways for use by its employees and
contractors when undertaking maintenance and construction projects.
The goal of the guidelines shall be to ensure the impacts of maintenance
and construction projects on the environment, landscape and noise
pollution are balanced or outweighed by measures taken to avoid and
minimize the impacts.
(b) Such guidelines shall include, but need not be limited to,
provisions addressing (1) the safety of the traveling public; (2) general
roadside vegetation management activities performed by the
department, including, but not limited to, mowing, herbicide
application, grassing, replanting with native species whenever
practicable, limb management, tree removal and debris removal; (3)
beautification, enhancements and the effect on scenic roads designated
pursuant to section 13b-31c of the general statutes; (4) visibility
enhancement; and (5) the environmental impact of such work, including
(A) preventing invasive tree, brush or plant species' growth and impact,
(B) storm water run-off, (C) erosion, (D) replanting of vegetation species
to expand and improve pollinator habitats, as described in section 22-
90b of the general statutes, and (E) reduced mowing. Such guidelines
shall apply to construction projects financed, in whole or in part, with Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 50 of 62
federal funds to the extent such guidelines do not conflict with federal
laws and regulations.
(c) Such guidelines shall not apply to the removal of any trees or
vegetation necessary to maintain public safety or that is performed
because of a weather-related civil preparedness emergency declared
pursuant to section 28-9 of the general statutes.
(d) On or before January 1, 2024, the Commissioner of Transportation
shall submit such guidelines to the joint standing committees of the
General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to
transportation and the environment, in accordance with the provisions
of section 11-4a of the general statutes. The committees shall hold a joint
public hearing on such guidelines and the commissioner shall present
such guidelines at the public hearing.
Sec. 34. (Effective from passage) For the purposes of this section, "Type
II project" has the same meaning as provided in 23 CFR 772.5, as
amended from time to time. The Department of Transportation shall (1)
conduct a state-wide evaluation of the feasibility and reasonableness of
constructing noise barriers for Type II projects, (2) establish a priority
rating system to rank such projects, and (3) use such system to establish
a priority list of such projects. On or before February 1, 2024, the
department shall submit the results of the evaluation and a description
of the priority ranking system and the priority list 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.
Sec. 35. Section 19 of public act 22-44 is repealed and the following is
substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage)
Not later than [January] October 1, 2023, the Commissioner of Motor
Vehicles shall submit, in accordance with the provisions of section 11- Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 51 of 62
4a of the general statutes, a plan to implement a state-wide decibel level
testing program for motor vehicles and motorcycles at official emissions
inspection stations, as defined in section 14-164b of the general statutes,
and any recommendations for legislation and funding necessary for
such implementation, to the joint standing committees of the General
Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation,
appropriations and the budgets of state agencies and finance, revenue
and bonding.
Sec. 36. Subsection (c) of section 14-80a of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2023):
(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, with the advice of the
Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, adopt
regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54,
establishing (1) the maximum decibel levels permissible for motor
vehicles, which shall not exceed the maximum decibel levels established
for motor vehicles by federal law or regulation, and (2) the procedure
for testing maximum decibel levels. The commissioner shall amend such
regulations to reflect industry standards and advancements in
technology and shall submit the amended regulations to the standing
legislative regulation review committee under section 4-170 not later
than [January] October 1, 2024.
Sec. 37. (Effective October 1, 2023) On and after October 1, 2023, and
until October 1, 2024, the Department of Motor Vehicles shall establish
a pilot program to test different methodologies for inspecting the
maximum decibel level produced by a motor vehicle at five official
emission inspection stations, as defined in section 14-164b of the general
statutes, selected by the department for inclusion in such program. Such
decibel level inspection shall be conducted at the time a motor vehicle is
presented for inspection pursuant to subsection (c) of section 14-164c of
the general statutes at a selected official emissions inspection station. Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 52 of 62
The maximum decibel level for a motor vehicle shall not exceed the
maximum decibel level permitted pursuant to section 14-80a of the
general statutes, as amended by this act, and any regulation adopted
thereunder. The different methodologies used to conduct such decibel
level inspections shall reflect industry standards and advancements in
technology. Not later than January 1, 2025, the department shall submit,
in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes,
a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly
having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, appropriations
and the budgets of state agencies, and finance, revenue and bonding,
concerning the implementation of the pilot program, the results of the
different methodologies used to conduct such decibel level inspections
and recommendations for a state-wide decibel level testing program.
Sec. 38. Section 22a-201e of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
On and after January 1, [2023] 2024, the Commissioner of Energy and
Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioners of
Motor Vehicles, Transportation and Education, may establish, within
available funding, a voucher program to support the (1) deployment of
any vehicle [classified within Class 5 to Class 13, inclusive, by the
Federal Highway Administration's vehicle category classification
system, as amended from time to time, and any school bus classified
within Class 3 to Class 8, inclusive, by said classification system,] that is
equipped with zero-emission technology, including, but not limited to,
battery electric and fuel cell systems, and classified as a Class 2b vehicle
or Class 3 through Class 8 vehicles, as such terms are defined in 49 CFR
523.2, as amended from time to time, or a medium duty passenger
vehicle, as defined in 49 CFR 523.2, as amended from time to time, when
sold for use by a commercial or institutional fleet, and (2) installation of
electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Applications for the voucher
program shall be filed with the Commissioner of Energy and Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 53 of 62
Environmental Protection at such time and in such manner as the
commissioner prescribes. In awarding any such voucher, the
Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall consider
the amount of funding available and set aside forty per cent of such
funding to be used toward maximizing air pollution reductions in
environmental justice communities, [. Vouchers] as defined in
subsection (a) of section 22a-20a. Such vouchers shall not be awarded
for vehicle classes where there is no commercially available zero-
emission technology or for vehicles that are eligible for a rebate or
voucher under the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile
Purchase Rebate program established pursuant to section 22a-202.
Sec. 39. Subsections (c) to (h), inclusive, of section 14-224 of the
general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective October 1, 2023):
(c) (1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any public
highway or parking area for any race, contest, [or] demonstration of
speed or skill, street takeover or motor vehicle stunt. As used in this
section, "street takeover" means taking over a portion of a public
highway or parking area by blocking or impeding the regular flow of
traffic for the purpose of causing disorder or creating a nuisance to other
users of such highway or parking area.
(2) No person shall (A) possess a motor vehicle under circumstances
manifesting an intent that it be used in a race, contest, [or]
demonstration, [of speed or skill] street takeover or motor vehicle stunt
prohibited under subdivision (1) of this subsection, (B) act as a starter,
timekeeper [, judge or spectator at a] or judge at any such race, contest,
[or] demonstration, [of speed or skill prohibited under subdivision (1)
of this subsection, or] street takeover or motor vehicle stunt, (C) wager
on the outcome of [a] any such race, contest, [or] demonstration, [of
speed or skill prohibited under subdivision (1) of this subsection] street
takeover or motor vehicle stunt, or (D) knowingly encourage, promote, Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 54 of 62
instigate, assist, facilitate or aid or abet any person in the performance
of any such race, contest, demonstration, street takeover or motor
vehicle stunt.
(d) Each person operating a motor vehicle who is knowingly
involved in an accident on a limited access highway which causes
damage to property only shall immediately move or cause [his] such
person's motor vehicle to be moved from the traveled portion of the
highway to an untraveled area which is adjacent to the accident site if it
is possible to move the motor vehicle without risk of further damage to
property or injury to any person.
(e) No person who acts in accordance with the provisions of
subsection (d) of this section may be considered to have violated
subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section.
(f) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) or
subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not more
than twenty thousand dollars or be imprisoned not less than two years
or more than twenty years or be both fined and imprisoned.
(g) (1) Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (2) of
subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than seventy-five
dollars or more than six hundred dollars or be imprisoned not more
than five years or be both fined and imprisoned, and for any subsequent
offense shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars or more than
one thousand dollars or be imprisoned not more than five years or be
both fined and imprisoned.
(2) Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (3) of
subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than seventy-five
dollars or more than six hundred dollars or be imprisoned not more
than one year or be both fined and imprisoned, and for any subsequent
offense shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars or more than Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 55 of 62
one thousand dollars or be imprisoned not more than one year or be
both fined and imprisoned.
[(2)] (3) Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (1) of
subsection (c) of this section shall be fined not less than one hundred
fifty dollars or more than six hundred dollars or be imprisoned not more
than one year or be both fined and imprisoned, and for any subsequent
offense shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars or more than
one thousand dollars or be imprisoned not more than one year or be
both fined and imprisoned.
[(3) Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (3) of
subsection (b) or subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of this section shall be
fined not less than seventy-five dollars or more than six hundred dollars
or be imprisoned not more than one year or be both fined and
imprisoned, and for any subsequent offense shall be fined not less than
one hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars or be
imprisoned not more than one year or be both fined and imprisoned.]
(4) Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (2) of
subsection (c) of this section shall be fined not more than one thousand
dollars or be imprisoned not more than six months or be both fined and
imprisoned.
(h) In addition to any penalty imposed pursuant to subsection (g) of
this section: (1) If any person is convicted of a violation of subdivision
(1) of subsection (c) of this section and the motor vehicle being operated
by such person at the time of the violation is registered to such person,
the court may order such motor vehicle to be impounded for not more
than thirty days and such person shall be responsible for any fees or
costs resulting from such impoundment; or (2) if any person is convicted
of a violation of subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of this section and the
motor vehicle being operated by such person at the time of the violation
is not registered to such person, the court may fine such person not more Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 56 of 62
than two thousand dollars, and for any subsequent offense may fine
such person not more than three thousand dollars.
Sec. 40. Section 14-96q of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2023):
(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) 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; 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] may 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 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 a flashing blue
light or lights while on the way to or at the scene of a fire or other Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 57 of 62
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 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 or blue 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 or blue light
or lights as provided in this subsection. Such listing shall also designate
the registration number of the motor vehicle on which the authorized
flashing green or blue light or lights are to be used.
(e) The commissioner may issue a permit for a flashing red light or
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 Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 58 of 62
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, or (7) used by a constable, appointed pursuant
to an ordinance authorized by section 9-185 or elected pursuant to
section 9-200, on a stationary vehicle as a warning signal during traffic
directing operations.
(f) The commissioner may issue a permit for a yellow or amber light
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, 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. 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 light or 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 Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 59 of 62
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 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 (k) 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 Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 60 of 62
illuminated light or both steady blue and steady red illuminated lights
that are visible externally from the front of the vehicle.
(l) Use of colored and flashing lights except as authorized by this
section shall be an infraction.
Sec. 41. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 3 from
the intersection with Connecticut Route 99 travelling in an easterly
direction to Elm Street in the town of Wethersfield shall be designated
as the "Edwin H. May, Jr. Memorial Highway".
Sec. 42. (Effective from passage) Local Bridge No. 06581 carrying
Church Street South No. 2 in the city of New Haven shall be designated
as the "William "King" Lanson Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 43. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 01487 carrying Connecticut
Route 177 over the Farmington River in the town of Farmington shall be
designated as "The Unionville Bridge".
Sec. 44. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 185
from the intersection with Connecticut Route 10 travelling in an easterly
direction to the Simsbury-Bloomfield town line in the town of Simsbury
shall be designated as the "Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Memorial
Highway".
Sec. 45. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 337
from Pope Street traveling in a southerly direction to Fort Hale Park
Road in the city of New Haven shall be designated as the "Zayne
Thomas Memorial Highway".
Sec. 46. Section 35 of public act 01-105 is repealed and the following
is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
Bridge [Number] No. 5337 [, located] on Connecticut Route 175 [in
Newington, running in a generally easterly direction, passing over] Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 61 of 62
overpassing Mill Brook [,] in the town of Newington shall be designated
the ["Andrew] "Police Chief Andrew J. McCusker, Jr. Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 47. (Effective from passage) Bridge No. 00505 carrying State Road
816 (Church Hill Road) over Interstate 84 eastbound and westbound in
the town of Newtown shall be designated as the "Chief William T.
Halstead Memorial Bridge".
Sec. 48. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 372
from the intersection of Olson Avenue travelling in a westerly direction
to the intersection of Hicksville Road in the town of Cromwell shall be
designated as the "Mayor Allan Spotts Memorial Highway".
Sec. 49. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 156
from the Lieutenant River Bridge (Bridge No. 01392) travelling in an
easterly direction to Black Hall River Bridge (Bridge No. 01395) in the
town of Old Lyme shall be designated as the "Mervin F. Roberts
Memorial Highway".
Sec. 50. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 154
from the intersection of Mill Rock Road East travelling in a northerly
direction to the northern junction with Bokum Road in the town of Old
Saybrook shall be designated as the "Velma Thomas Memorial
Highway".
Sec. 51. (Effective from passage) A portion of Connecticut Route 145
from the intersection of Grove Beach Road North travelling in a
northerly direction to the intersection of Lost Pond Lane in the town of
Westbrook shall be designated as the "Paul J. Connelly Memorial
Highway".
Sec. 52. Subsection (c) of section 15-120nn of the general statutes is
repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1,
2023): Substitute Senate Bill No. 904
Public Act No. 23-135 62 of 62
(c) The authority may purchase or acquire title in fee simple to, or any
lesser estate, interest or right in, any airport, restricted landing area or
other air navigation facility owned or controlled by any municipality or
by any two or more municipalities jointly or by any other person, except
any such purchase of an airport owned by a municipality shall be subject
to the approval of the legislative body of the municipality within whose
territorial limits the airport is located.
Sec. 53. Sections 13b-44a, 13b-50b, 15-101t and 15-101pp of the general
statutes are repealed. (Effective July 1, 2023)