Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05324

Introduced
2/26/20  
Introduced
2/26/20  
Refer
2/26/20  

Caption

An Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety At Crosswalks, Speed Limits In Municipalities, Fines And Charges For Certain Violations And The Greenways Commemorative Account.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in urban areas where foot traffic is heavy. By providing clarity on driver responsibilities at crosswalks, the bill aims to reduce accidents involving pedestrians. Additionally, it allows municipalities to tailor speed limits based on unique local conditions, potentially improving the overall safety of road users. The modification of existing fines for traffic violations further shows a commitment to enforcing road safety and ensuring compliance with new regulations.

Summary

House Bill 5324, titled 'An Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety At Crosswalks, Speed Limits In Municipalities, Fines And Charges For Certain Violations And The Greenways Commemorative Account,' aims to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic regulation across the state. The bill mandates that motorists grant the right-of-way to pedestrians who indicate their intention to cross at designated crosswalks. It further empowers local traffic authorities to establish lower speed limits after due public hearings and notification to the state traffic administration, promoting localized traffic management tailored to community needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 5324 include concerns raised about the potential burden on local authorities when adjusting speed limits and the difficulty in enforcing new right-of-way regulations. Critics worry that while the intent is to enhance safety, the implementation may lead to confusion among drivers and enforcement challenges for local law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the bill introduces fines related to obstructive actions, such as opening car doors that impede pedestrian and bicycle traffic, which some view as overly regulatory.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05330

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Transportation And Concerning Capital Projects, Notice Of Proposed Fair And Service Changes, The Connecticut Airport Authority, Automated Traffic Safety Enforcement, Road Safety Audits, Parking Authorities, A Shore Line East Report And The Submission Of Reports And Test Results Regarding Impaired Driving.

CT HB05288

An Act Aligning State Law With Federal Law Concerning Service Animals.

CT HB05328

An Act Concerning Automated Traffic Safety Enforcement In Work Zones And Municipalities.

CT HB05324

An Act Establishing Secondary Traffic Violations.

CT HB05204

An Act Concerning The Operation Of Low-speed Vehicles.

CT HB05216

An Act Concerning The Safety Capacity At Gardner Lake State Park.

CT SB00445

An Act Concerning A Jobs Program For Youth Impacted By The Juvenile Justice System, Review Of Probation Violations And State-wide Expansion Of Truancy Clinics.

CT SB00011

An Act Concerning Connecticut Resiliency Planning And Providing Municipal Options For Climate Resilience.

CT SB00183

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Motor Vehicles And Concerning Low-speed Vehicles, The Towing Of Occupied Vehicles, School Buses, Electric Commercial Vehicles, The Passenger Registration Of Pick-up Trucks And Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities.

CT HB05474

An Act Concerning Municipal Approvals For Housing Development, Fines For Violations Of Local Ordinances, Regulation Of Short-term Rentals, Rental Assistance Program Administration, Notices Of Rent Increases And The Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan And Grant Fund.

Similar Bills

CT HB05429

An Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety, The Vision Zero Council, Speed Limits In Municipalities, Fines And Charges For Certain Violations And The Greenways Commemorative Account.

CT HB05259

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical Revisions To The Government Administration And Elections Statutes.

NY S07549

Requires that vehicles yield the right of way to multi-use trails that cross roadways.

NJ S361

Establishes "New Jersey Target Zero Commission."

CT SB00904

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.

NJ A1476

Establishes "New Jersey Target Zero Commission."

CT SB01377

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Transportation And Concerning Transportation Network Companies And Drivers, The Projection Of A Laser At An Aircraft Or Flight Path, Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices, Small Harbor Improvement Projects, The Connecticut Public Transportation Council, Bus Public Transportation Services And The Naming Of Certain Roads And Bridges.

NJ S2885

Establishes "New Jersey Target Zero Commission."