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Transportation Committee approves drafting of multiple raised concepts and committee bills; changes of reference set
Summary
The Transportation Committee approved drafting several raised concepts (items 1 and 3–12), approved drafting of committee bills (items 1–3) and changed references for two bills to other committees. Most actions were voice votes; one concept (item 2) was roll‑call voted separately.
The Connecticut General Assembly Transportation Committee voted to draft a package of raised concepts and to prepare several committee bills at a meeting that also set committee referrals for two bills. Most items were approved by voice vote; one contested concept (item 2) was handled separately by roll call.
What the committee approved: By voice vote the committee approved drafting item 1 and items 3 through 12 as raised bills. The chair read the item titles for the record: item 1 — enact concerning small harbor improvement projects; item 3 — enact concerning additional revenue sources for the special transportation fund; item 4 — an act implementing the recommendations of the Department of Transportation; item 5 — an act implementing the recommendations of the Department of Motor Vehicles; item 6 — an act concerning transportation worker safety; item 7 — an act concerning highway, expanding the blue envelope program; item 11 — enact concerning airports and aviation; and item 12 — enact concerning the dealer franchise act.
Committee bills and references: The committee also voted to draft proposed committee bills (items 1–3 as committee bills) by motion of Senator Cohen, seconded by Senator Austin, and approved by voice vote. Representative Mara asked a substantive question about proposed weigh‑in‑motion systems for commercial motor vehicles; sponsors said the technology would be used in addition to existing weigh stations and could capture commercial vehicles when weigh stations are closed.
Change of reference: The committee approved changing reference for HB 6679 (an act concerning the local bridge program) to the finance committee and SB 1082 (an act concerning the non‑emergency transportation of persons in a prone position via stretcher vans) to the public health committee. The motion to change reference was moved by Senator Cohen and seconded by Senator Austin and approved by voice vote.
Context and next steps: Sponsors repeatedly reminded members that “raising a concept” authorizes drafting and public hearings but is not a final approval of policy. Representative Kennedy said, “Whichever way you vote today, it’s not you’re not logged into that vote, yes or no, because we will have more information. We will have language in the bill.” The committee said public hearings will be scheduled and posted in advance and that drafts will be circulated before hearings.
Outcome: Committee approved drafting the listed raised concepts and committee bills and changed references for HB 6679 and SB 1082. The committee recessed and said it will post hearing dates and accept testimony when the drafts are available.
