Substitute House Bill No. 7060 aims to enhance 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 safe motor vehicle operation, dangers in highway work zones, and proper interactions with emergency vehicles. Organizations seeking certification to conduct the program must meet specific requirements, including maintaining a surety bond and submitting a detailed curriculum for approval. The bill also introduces new requirements for applicants aged sixteen or seventeen, mandating the completion of a safe driving practices course and the highway work zone safety awareness program starting October 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill designates Connecticut Special Service Road 495 as the "Andrew DiDomenico Memorial Highway" and Bridge No. 01241 as the "State Trooper First Class Aaron M. Pelletier Memorial Bridge." It repeals subsection (d) of section 14-36 of the general statutes, although the specifics of this deletion are not detailed. The bill modifies existing language by replacing "instruction" with "practices" in the context of the safe driving course and allows for waivers of certain requirements for applicants with valid licenses from other states. The maximum fee for the safe driving practices course is capped at $150, and provisions are made for home training to be recognized as valid evidence of sufficient training. Overall, the bill seeks to improve safety for highway workers and drivers through education and stricter regulations while ensuring accessibility for diverse populations.

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