HB 6376 Summary

• Designates certified motor vehicle inspectors in the Department of Motor Vehicles as "peace officers" under Connecticut law, effective October 1, 2019.

• Requires motor vehicle inspectors to be certified under sections 7-294a to 7-294e to qualify as peace officers with authority to make arrests and use force in law enforcement duties.

• Extends exemptions from distracted driving laws to certified motor vehicle inspectors performing official duties, allowing hand-held mobile telephone use similar to other peace officers.

• Grants motor vehicle inspectors the same legal protections and authorities as other peace officers regarding use of physical force, deadly force, and making arrests under specified circumstances.

• Updates multiple statutes governing assault, interference with officers, and weapons possession to include certified motor vehicle inspectors in the same categories as other law enforcement officers.