Substitute Senate Bill No. 337 with File No. 216 empowers municipalities to regulate the use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, mini-motorcycles, and to address street takeovers. The bill allows for the enactment of ordinances to control the operation of these vehicles, including specifying zones and hours of use, and sets fines for violations ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. It also permits the seizure and forfeiture of vehicles used in violation of these ordinances, with a provision for bona fide lienholders or owners to reclaim their vehicles within thirty days to avoid forfeiture. The bill includes measures to prohibit organizing, participating in, or observing street takeovers, with penalties including impoundment of vehicles until fines and charges are paid. It amends existing statutes, including the permanent revocation of an operator's license for a third violation of subsection (c) of section 14-224, and ensures that any ordinances are consistent with state regulations and statutes. The effective date for these changes is October 1, 2024.

The bill also outlines suspension periods for traffic violations committed by individuals under eighteen, with a six-month suspension for a first violation of subsection (a) of section 14-222 and a one-year suspension for subsequent violations. It mandates the suspension of a motor vehicle operator's license for youths adjudged as youthful offenders for certain violations. The bill repeals and replaces subsection (c) of section 14-215 and subsection (b) of section 51-164n of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes, detailing increased fines and imprisonment for operating a vehicle during a suspension or revocation. Insertions in the bill include amendments to various sections and introduce a new clause related to violations of ordinances with penalties not exceeding $2,000. Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program administered by the Office of Policy and Management to support enforcement of laws related to street takeovers and illegal vehicle operation, with grants of not less than $500,000 for municipalities. The bill includes fiscal notes indicating costs to OPM and potential costs and savings to municipalities, with revenue gains from fines and grants starting in FY 25. The effective date for most provisions is October 1, 2024, with some effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-390, 14-390m
PS Joint Favorable: 14-390, 14-390m
File No. 216: 14-390, 14-390m