House Bill No. 5353, as amended by House Amendment Schedule "A" and approved by the Legislative Commissioner on May 19, 2023, is an act that authorizes municipalities with a population of not less than fifty thousand to establish their own traffic authorities. This bill, effective July 1, 2023, allows these municipalities to establish a traffic authority by a vote of their legislative body, which will replace any existing traffic authority. The legislative body will prescribe the qualifications, terms of office, and compensation, if any, for members of the new traffic authority. The newly established traffic authority will have the same powers and duties as those described in existing statutes for traffic authorities.

The bill also includes amendments to section 14-297 of the general statutes, effective July 1, 2023. The amendments redefine "traffic authority" to include (A) the board of police commissioners, (B) the city or town manager, chief of police, superintendent of police, or any legally elected or appointed official or board with similar powers and duties, (C) the board of selectmen of any town without a regularly appointed police force, and (D) a traffic authority established pursuant to section 1 of this act. The bill specifies that these changes do not limit the jurisdiction or authority of the Office of the State Traffic Administration. The fiscal impact statement indicates that there may be potential costs for municipalities that choose to compensate members of the new traffic authority, starting in FY 24. The bill analysis clarifies that the bill allows municipalities to establish a traffic authority regardless of municipal charters, home rule ordinances, or special acts.