Substitute House Bill No. 5404, Public Act No. 24-14, is an act concerning military training and experience in relation to the driver's license endorsement required to operate fire apparatus. The bill amends Section 14-36a of the general statutes by substituting the existing language with new provisions. The "Q" endorsement on a driver's license, which signifies eligibility to operate fire apparatus, will now acknowledge that the holder has either been trained in accordance with standards set by the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control or has qualifying military training and experience. The bill removes the gender-specific language "he or she" and replaces it with "such person," and it specifies that, except as provided in the new subdivision (2), no endorsement shall be issued until the person demonstrates the necessary skills for operation of fire apparatus to the commissioner or the commissioner's designee.

The bill introduces a new provision that allows certain veterans and members of the armed forces or the National Guard to obtain a "Q" endorsement without the standard demonstration of skills. Veterans applying within two years of discharge from the military, who met specific conditions within two years prior to discharge, as well as current members of the armed forces or the National Guard who meet certain conditions, will have the skills demonstration requirement waived. The conditions referred to are outlined in 49 CFR 383.77(a)(2) or 49 CFR 383.77(b)(2), as amended. The commissioner is tasked with prescribing the form and manner of application for this waiver. Definitions for "veteran" and "armed forces" are to align with those provided in section 27-103. The act is effective from October 1, 2024.