The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1323 aims to improve nonemergency transportation services for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities by allowing the Department of Transportation to issue both temporary and permanent livery permits for stretcher vans. The bill repeals and replaces Section 13b-105 of the general statutes, requiring applicants to ensure their vehicles meet specific safety standards as outlined in subsection (e) of section 14-100a, as amended by this act. Notably, the bill introduces provisions that allow the use of stretcher vans for transporting individuals who do not require medical services, provided they have a written statement from their primary care provider and that the operator has received appropriate training in stretcher transport.

Additionally, the bill repeals and substitutes Section 14-100a, which details safety belt requirements for motor vehicles, while maintaining existing safety standards and clarifying the responsibilities of vehicle operators and passengers regarding seat belt use. It specifies exemptions for individuals with physical disabilities and establishes penalties for violations. The bill also mandates that children under eight years old and weighing less than forty pounds must be secured in a child restraint system, prohibits transporting them in the front seat of vehicles with functional airbags, and outlines requirements for transporting individuals in wheelchairs or on stretchers. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-100a