Transportation Committee February 13th Meeting [Source] Translate

The Transportation Committee meeting began with a light-hearted acknowledgment of technical difficulties and the date, Friday the 13th, before transitioning to the committee's agenda. The chair expressed confidence in the committee's ability to accomplish its goals during the short session, highlighting the support team, including clerks and legislative research staff. Co-chair remarks emphasized the strength of the transportation team and the importance of collaboration with the DMV and DOT. The committee is focused on raising concepts for discussion, with an understanding that these are preliminary ideas and not final votes. Senator Wong and Representative Kennedy both reiterated the importance of safety on roadways and the need to address various issues during the session. The committee moved to raise 18 concepts for discussion, which include: 1. Transportation system modernization, focusing on electrification needs. 2. Revisions to motor vehicle statutes, including disability parking and e-bike legislation. 3. Addressing noise pollution from vehicles and potential sound barriers. 4. Permitting 16 and 17-year-olds to transport siblings. 5. Enhancements to driver's education and student safety. 6. Expansion of public transportation systems. 7. Vegetation management by the DOT. 8. Highway safety improvements. 9. Coordinated responses for assisting the homeless. 10. Workplace health and safety for public transit workers. 11. Discussions regarding the Connecticut Port Authority. 12. Transportation network companies (TNCs) regulations. 13. Towing recommendations and regulations. 14. Access to parking for home health care providers. 15. Discussions on car dealer regulations and transparency. 16. Technical recommendations for the Connecticut Airport Authority. 17. Recommendations from the Department of Transportation, including flex lanes and utility ownership. The committee unanimously voted to raise these concepts for further discussion. Additionally, a motion was made to draft a committee bill (SB 9) supporting commuters and microtransit services, which aims to continue successful microtransit pilot programs across the state. The committee plans to have a robust discussion on this bill moving forward. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for a public hearing on February 23rd, likely at 10 a.m., and the meeting was adjourned with the intention to keep it open until 12 p.m. for attendance purposes.