House passes wide-ranging DOT package after hours of debate over encampments, flex lanes, muffler fines and school-bus timelines

The Connecticut House passed a multi-part transportation bill (substitute for H.B. 5464) on April 29 after lengthy debate over public-safety, enforcement and cost issues tied to highway operations and school-bus fleets. Proponents said the measure codifies several Department of Transportation (DOT) practices and creates pilot authority for automatic traffic-enforcement devices on limited-access highways, while opponents warned of fiscal and equity consequences for municipalities.

Supporters framed the package as a practical update. Representative Berger de Valle, sponsor on the floor, said the encampment language reflects DOT practice and that the bill ‘‘is a result of putting onto paper the process that DOT has already been in practice of.’’ The measure codifies a DOT notice and removal timeline for encampments on state highway property, preserving emergency exceptions for hazards to people or infrastructure.

The debate split along several fault lines. Members questioned whether practices already adopted by DOT needed statutory backing, and whether codifying a 14‑day notice period — lengthened from an earlier 72‑hour practice — would reduce agency flexibility. Representative Kennedy pressed for clarity on flexibility, asking whether ‘‘by putting this into statute would there be any flexibility for DOT moving forward once this gets passed?’’ The chair responded that DOT retains emergency authority for safety exceptions.

A second focus was ‘‘flex’’ lanes and camera enforcement. The bill authorizes dynamic part‑time lanes (for breakdown, HOV or congestion relief) and allows cameras to enforce illegal use when lanes are closed. Sponsors said cameras would be triggered by violations and that license‑plate data would be deleted after 30 days; enforcement fines would be modest (the bill sets a $75 penalty for automated violations and deposits revenues into the State Transportation Fund). Sponsors also said vendor contracts cannot be contingent on violation counts and that vendors will not receive a cut of fines.

Lawmakers also debated a proposed sharp increase in fines for modified mufflers that imitate gun‑shot sounds. An early committee proposal raised the penalty from $150 to $1,000, prompting broad concern about disproportionality and enforcement; the House adopted a negotiated amendment that lowered the increase to $300.

School‑bus transition requirements prompted some of the most passionate remarks. An amendment (offered by Rep. Mara) would allow districts to use a broader set of low‑emission options — including hybrids, plug‑in hybrids and propane — and push the full electrification deadlines later, arguing the change would ease costs and permit alternative‑fuel options. Opponents warned of shifting burdens on distressed municipalities and urged stronger grant support. The bill retains a working group to study school‑bus alternative fuels, infrastructure needs and safety issues related to electric buses.

Several other technical and safety provisions were added on the floor, including a requirement that school districts prepare safety and evacuation plans when electric buses are used. After votes on multiple amendments and the certified committee report, the House passed the bill as amended.

The bill’s supporters argued the package balances safety, modern traffic management and environmental goals; critics said cost, local equity and implementation details remain unresolved and should be addressed in follow‑up work and funding. The next steps are transmittal to the Senate for its consideration.

The House adopted the bill as amended; the final recorded vote and roll call were announced on the floor.