General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 5331 is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend current motor vehicle statutes regarding the suspension of motor vehicle operators' licenses. The bill, effective July 1, 2024, stipulates that the commissioner of motor vehicles shall not suspend a person's operator's license solely due to the failure to pay fines, fees, or other charges related to motor vehicle infractions, specified violations, or failure to appear for a scheduled court appearance. The bill also includes language changes to replace gender-specific pronouns with gender-neutral terms such as "the commissioner" and "such person."

The bill further outlines the process for releasing individuals arrested for motor vehicle violations on their own recognizance, the dismissal of certain infractions or violations after seven years if a failure to appear report was sent to the commissioner, and the establishment of reciprocal agreements with other states regarding the suspension or revocation of licenses and registrations. Additionally, the bill mandates that by January 1, 2025, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles must reinstate the licenses of individuals whose licenses were suspended solely for non-payment of fines or failure to appear, provided they are otherwise eligible, without charging a restoration fee. The bill amends sections 14-111(a) and 14-140 of the general statutes and introduces a new section effective July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-140, 14-50b
TRA Joint Favorable: 14-140
File No. 275: 14-140
JUD Joint Favorable: 14-140