Substitute Bill No. 5405 seeks to amend the regulation of crane operators and hoisting equipment in Connecticut by introducing several key changes. Notably, the definition of "lessee" is expanded to include any legal entity that rents or leases cranes or hoisting equipment. The membership of the Examining Board for Crane Operators is increased from five to seven members, ensuring representation from two experienced crane operators and two crane owners. The bill also clarifies the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Administrative Services, granting them the authority to enter premises for verification of compliance. Additionally, it removes certain exemptions from licensing requirements and establishes new criteria based on equipment lifting capacity and operator qualifications, particularly for those operating equipment with a lifting capacity between two thousand and ten thousand pounds.

The bill further empowers the Commissioner of Administrative Services to issue stop work orders against crane operators and owners found to be incompetent or negligent, mandating the cessation of crane operations at the site of the violation while allowing unrelated activities to continue. Affected parties can contest these orders through an administrative hearing. The Examining Board is also granted the authority to suspend or revoke licenses and impose civil penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 per day for violations of stop work orders. The term "person" is clarified to encompass various legal entities, and the board may accept agreements in lieu of hearings for alleged violations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance safety and regulatory compliance in crane operations across the state.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225
PS Joint Favorable Substitute: 29-221, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225
File No. 268: 29-221, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225
JUD Joint Favorable: 29-221, 29-222, 29-224b, 29-225