SB 975 Summary

• Reforms Department of Transportation property disposition procedures, requiring public bidding for excess property and establishing right-of-first-refusal for former residential property owners within 25 years of acquisition.

• Establishes the Connecticut Public Transportation Commission with 19 members to advise on public transportation planning, services, and adequacy for elderly and disabled users, replacing the prior Public Transportation Authority.

• Increases fines for distracted driving violations (hand-held mobile phone use while operating a motor vehicle) to $125 for first offense, $250 for second, and $400 for subsequent violations, with 25% of fines returned to municipalities.

• Designates multiple roads, bridges, and rest areas throughout Connecticut in honor of deceased military personnel, first responders, and community organizations, and updates signage for tourism destinations like Mystic's historic downtown and drawbridge.

• Eliminates the master transportation plan requirement and modifies taxicab regulations, including provisions for operation at Bradley International Airport and requirements for rooftop lights and company phone numbers on taxicabs.