The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1323 seeks 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, enabling permit holders to transport individuals requiring nonemergency stretcher transportation under specific conditions, such as obtaining a written statement from the individual's primary care provider and ensuring that the operator has received appropriate training. Additionally, the bill introduces new vehicle requirements that align with the standards outlined in subsection (f) of section 14-100a.

Moreover, the bill modifies Section 14-100a, which pertains to safety belt requirements for motor vehicles, by maintaining existing safety regulations while clarifying that no new passenger vehicle may be sold or registered without safety belts meeting specific strength criteria. It also states that failure to wear a seat safety belt cannot be deemed contributory negligence in civil actions, and law enforcement cannot stop vehicles solely for back seat passengers' noncompliance. The bill further establishes regulations for transporting children and individuals with disabilities, including securing children under four years old in appropriate restraint systems and ensuring proper securing of individuals in wheelchairs and on stretchers. Key insertions include the replacement of "Departments" with "Commissioners" and the specification of securing devices for stretcher transport, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-100a