Substitute House Bill No. 7060 aims to improve transportation worker safety in Connecticut by establishing a mandatory highway work zone and roadside vehicle safety awareness program for motor vehicle operator's license applicants and individuals convicted of specific violations related to highway work zones. The program, administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), will cover essential topics such as safe vehicle operation and interactions with emergency vehicles. It will be available in both in-person and distance learning formats, with a maximum fee of $150 for participants. The bill also introduces new definitions for terms like "emergency vehicle" and outlines the certification process for organizations wishing to conduct the program, which includes requirements for a surety bond and curriculum approval. Additionally, it repeals subsection (d) of section 14-36 of the general statutes, indicating a significant update to existing law.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the requirements for issuing motor vehicle operator's licenses to applicants aged sixteen or seventeen, mandating the completion of a safe driving practices course and the new highway work zone safety program starting October 1, 2025. It replaces "instruction" with "practices" in the context of safe driving courses and allows the DMV commissioner to approve course content. The bill also ensures that fees for required courses do not exceed $150 and expands language options for the knowledge test to enhance accessibility. Additionally, it designates specific roadways in Connecticut with memorial names and includes provisions for monitoring driving records and license suspensions for individuals required to attend the program due to violations of the "move over" law or highway worker endangerment law. Notably, the bill eliminates previous provisions that would have increased penalties for certain driving offenses in highway work zones.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-37b, 14-222, 14-296aa, 14-298
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-37b, 14-222, 14-296aa
File No. 558: 14-37b, 14-222, 14-296aa
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-37b
File No. 842: 14-37b