Substitute House Bill No. 7074 seeks to revise Connecticut's uniform state-wide police pursuit policy by mandating the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to establish a new policy that allows police officers to engage in pursuits when they believe an occupant of a moving vehicle has committed a felony. The bill replaces existing language that outlined specific conditions for initiating and discontinuing pursuits, instead focusing on broader factors such as public safety, the nature of the offense, and associated risks. It emphasizes the importance of coordination among supervisory personnel during pursuits and sets forth training requirements for police officers.

Key changes in the bill include the deletion of previous conditions for initiating pursuits and the insertion of new criteria that prioritize public safety and the nature of the offense. The bill also stipulates that officers must consider alternative measures for apprehending suspects and evaluate various conditions, such as traffic and weather, when deciding to discontinue a pursuit. Additionally, it establishes a timeline for policy review and updates every five years, with the next update due by January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of police pursuit policies while aligning them with current law and best practices in law enforcement.