Substitute House Bill No. 5404, Public Act No. 24-14, is an act concerning the recognition of military training and experience in the process of obtaining a "Q" endorsement on a driver's license, which signifies eligibility to operate fire apparatus. The bill amends Section 14-36a of the general statutes by inserting language that allows for two pathways to obtain the "Q" endorsement: one through training in accordance with standards set by the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, and the other through qualifying military training and experience. The bill also updates the language to be more inclusive by replacing "he or she" with "such person."

The bill further introduces a provision that allows veterans and members of the armed forces or the National Guard to apply for a waiver from the skills demonstration requirement for the "Q" endorsement if they apply within two years of military discharge and meet certain conditions outlined in federal regulations (49 CFR 383.77(a)(2) or 49 CFR 383.77(b)(2)). The commissioner is tasked with prescribing the form and manner of application for this waiver. Definitions for "veteran" and "armed forces" are to align with those provided in section 27-103. This act is effective from October 1, 2024.