Connecticut House Bill HB06540

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Report Pass: 3/18/11
• Refer: 3/29/11
• Report Pass: 4/5/11
• Refer: 4/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Refer: 5/4/11
• Report Pass: 5/10/11
• Refer: 5/12/11
• Refer: 5/24/11
• Report Pass: 5/26/11
• Refer: 5/27/11
• Report Pass: 6/2/11
• Engrossed: 6/4/11
• Report Pass: 6/4/11
• Chaptered: 6/30/11
• Enrolled: 7/1/11
• Passed: 7/13/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Highway Safety, State Facility Traffic Authorities, Municipal Building Demolition, State Traffic Commission Certificates, At Grade Crossings, The Naming Of Roads And Bridges In Honor Or In Memory Of Persons And Organizations, And A Train Station In Niantic.

Impact

The bill significantly alters existing statutes regarding highway safety and traffic management. By authorizing the state to take proactive measures in coordinating safety programs, the legislation places a primary focus on educating the public and integrating efforts to ensure road safety. An emphasis is placed on developing safer traffic regimes that may include establishing traffic authorities to handle concerns related to state facility traffic and by regulating high-traffic developments to ensure they do not compromise safety. This will align municipal regulations with state-level initiatives, potentially leading to more efficient transportation infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 6540, also known as Public Act No. 11-256, aims to improve highway safety measures, establish state facility traffic authorities, and regulate the process for municipal building demolitions. It designates the Department of Transportation as the entity responsible for administering highway safety programs consistent with the federal Highway Safety Act of 1966. This includes setting standards and procedures for highway safety initiatives and the coordination of safety activities at both state and local levels. The adoption of regulations surrounding these programs seeks to reduce highway-related deaths and injuries across Connecticut.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 6540 appears to be supportive in regards to its focus on enhancing public safety. Policymakers and advocates for highway safety have expressed optimism about the potential impacts of the bill, particularly in relation to reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on Connecticut roads. However, there may be some concerns regarding the administration of traffic authorities and whether they might impose additional regulations or fees on municipalities that could complicate existing processes.

Contention

While much of the feedback on HB 6540 has been positive, potential contention could arise from local governments' concerns about state-level overreach regarding the administration of traffic authorities. There could also be debates surrounding the implications of naming roads and bridges in honor of individuals, which may involve sensitive political discussions. Ultimately, the balance between state mandates on traffic safety and local governance will likely be a focus of ongoing discussions.