Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: Senate Bill 484
AN ACT CONCERNING EMISSIONS AND DECIBEL LEVEL TESTING FOR
MOTOR VEHICLES AND THE TAXATION OF CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES AND
Title: MOTORCYCLE MUFFLERS.
Vote Date: 4/5/2022
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/30/2022
File No.: 623
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill requires emission testing on motorcycles. It also requires that all vehicle noise levels
be tested to ensure that they meet the requirements set by the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The bill increases
the sales and use tax rate to fifty percent (50%) for sales of motorcycles that exceed the
maximum allowable noise level, and for the use of aftermarket motorcycle mufflers that exceed
the noise level. DEEP and DMV would be responsible for developing the testing programs
specifications, requirements and penalties.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Wayne Weikel, Senior Director of State Government Affairs, Alliance for Automotive Innovation
submitted testimony stating that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents the
automakers responsible for producing nearly 98 percent of cars and light trucks sold in the
United States each year, as well as major suppliers and other automotive technology
companies. While their members have no objections to the state taking steps to address the
challenges that local communities face when trying to ensure a certain quality of life for
residents that is being degraded by the actions of some unruly vehicle owners, they do have
some concern that the bill as raised could potentially draw a much wider swath of vehicles into
potential violation.
The testimony states that Auto Innovators and their members are currently working with the
State of California on exhaust decibel testing rules, and the rules under consideration are
specifically based upon the Society of Automotive Engineers International Protocols. They
strongly recommend Connecticut follow this path.
The reason for focusing on testing procedures to be utilized is because the bill appears to
retroactively add testing procedures to a set of existing vehicle noise regulations. The current
regulations on vehicle noise levels were adopted in 1978. They call for the use of antiquated
analog testing equipment, and mandate an outside testing environment that is 150 feet long by
50 feet wide that is clear of other obstructions.
The above concerns should not be read as opposition to the underlying intent of the legislation.
If the state is to adopt new testing procedures, however, the legislation should also call for the
development of new decibel levels guidelines to pair with up-to-date testing procedures.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
The following people summitted testimony opposition of the bill:
Paul T. Brantner, Resident, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Daniel P. Carapella
James Fumega
David Magazzi, Resident, New Fairfield, Connecticut
Karima Mastrolillo, Resident, New Milford, Connecticut
Mastrolillo, P., President, Charter Oak Motorcycle Club
David Rudolf
Eugene J. Schmeiler, Resident, Naugatuck, Connecticut
George Fraser, Resident, Stamford, Connecticut testified in opposition of the bill, claiming it is
extremely fiscally irresponsible, and that Connecticut doesnt have the infrastructure or
manpower to enforce it.
Robert Gay, Resident, Wilton, Connecticut opposed the bill, and stated that it is one more level
of harassment thrust upon the motorcycle and motor sports community.
Patrick Mastrolillo, Resident, New Milford, Connecticut opposed the bill, stating this is the same
bill as last year (Senate Bill 1103) that both DMV and DEEP opposed on grounds that
equipment is unavailable, it is costly for training, and they lack the manpower to enforce such
a law.
Reported by: Dawn Silveira Date: 4/22/2022
Page 2 of 2 SB-484


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
FIN Joint Favorable:
File No. 623: