House Bill No. 5444, also known as File No. 371, introduces the Test Bed Technologies Program, which aims to validate the effectiveness of technologies, products, or processes that could reduce operational costs for state agencies. The bill establishes a Test Bed Technologies Advisory Board, appointed by various state officials, to recommend pilot test programs for state agencies. The board is limited to recommending technologies that are commercially available or have commercial potential within two years, do not compromise safety, and were not developed by businesses eligible to participate in a test program under section 32-39e of the general statutes. The bill outlines the application process for businesses, including a non-refundable fee of $5,000, and the evaluation and administration of pilot test programs by state agencies. The costs of the pilot are to be covered by the applicant, and successful technologies may be procured for broader use. The bill also allows for the testing of technologies already used by municipalities, with fees collected credited to the General Fund, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

The fiscal impact of HB5444 includes costs to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) of up to $344,000 in FY 25 and $337,000 in FY 26, as well as fringe benefit costs to the State Comptroller of up to $138,500 for both FY 25 and FY 26, due to the need for additional staff to support the program. The bill also anticipates a revenue gain from the $5,000 application fee, which will be deposited into the General Fund. The impact on state agencies will vary based on their participation in the pilot program, and the fiscal implications are expected to continue into the future, adjusting for inflation and the number of applicants. The bill passed the Energy and Technology Committee with a vote of 18 Yea to 2 Nay on March 21, 2024.