Substitute House Bill No. 7074 seeks to revise Connecticut's uniform state-wide police pursuit policy by establishing a more structured framework for when police officers can engage in pursuits. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in collaboration with law enforcement and public safety organizations, adopt a new policy that allows pursuits when officers believe an occupant of a moving vehicle has committed a felony. This replaces the previous vague conditions for initiating and discontinuing pursuits with specific criteria that officers must consider, including public safety, the nature of the offense, and the risks involved.

Key changes include the deletion of ambiguous language regarding pursuit conditions and the insertion of detailed factors for officers to evaluate, such as the protection of the public, the urgency of apprehension, and alternative measures for suspect apprehension. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of supervisory personnel during pursuits, mandates immediate notification to supervisors after a pursuit begins, and requires the pursuit policy to be updated every five years, with the next update due by January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety while providing clear guidelines for police pursuits, receiving unanimous support from the Public Safety and Security Committee.