Transportation (Roads & Highways) in Connecticut

signed · Connecticut · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 484: AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRACTED DRIVING AND THE SAFE OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE IN A HIGHWAY WORK ZONE.

This bill updates Connecticut's distracted driving laws by clarifying definitions of mobile phone use and restricting hand-held phone usage while driving. It directly affects all motor vehicle operators by prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones to make calls or operate mobile electronic devices like text messaging apps while operating a vehicle on highways. Key provisions establish a rebuttable presumption that holding a phone to or near the ear constitutes call engagement, while allowing exceptions for emergency communications, official duties of first responders and military personnel, and hands-free phone use. The law takes effect on October 1, 2026, and does not authorize confiscation of phones unless other laws permit it.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5463: AN ACT CONCERNING HIGHWAY SAFETY.

This bill updates Connecticut's highway safety laws by clarifying definitions of mobile devices and expanding restrictions on their use while driving. It directly affects all motor vehicle operators by prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile electronic devices for calls, texting, or viewing non-navigation content while operating a vehicle. The law allows exceptions for emergency communications with first responders, official duties of peace officers and emergency personnel, and the use of hands-free modes that keep both hands on the steering wheel. Navigation apps remain permitted if the device is securely mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console without obstructing the driver's view.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

passed · Connecticut · House May 1, 2026

HB 5462: AN ACT CONCERNING NOISE POLLUTION.

This bill establishes a pilot program to test solar-powered noise barriers along state highways, aiming to reduce traffic noise while generating electricity. It requires the state transportation commissioner to install and evaluate one to three of these structures, consulting with utility regulators on power connections, and submit a detailed report by January 2028 on costs, performance, and environmental impacts. The legislation also updates vehicle noise regulations by reinforcing requirements for mufflers, exhaust systems, and horns, while increasing the fine for violations to $150,000 per offense. These changes directly affect state highway infrastructure projects and motor vehicle owners and operators.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

passed · Connecticut · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 5501: AN ACT EXPANDING PERMISSIBLE USES FOR TOWN AID ROAD GRANT FUNDS.

This bill expands how Connecticut towns can use Town Aid Road grant money, allowing them to purchase and maintain equipment like snow plows, street sweepers, and vegetation management tools in addition to building and repairing roads. The legislation directs $12.5 million annually from the Department of Transportation to these road-related projects, including new provisions for climate resilience measures such as flood protection and extreme heat mitigation. Towns that receive these funds must submit annual reports on how they spend the money, or face a ten percent reduction in future grants. The Office of Policy and Management retains the ability to approve alternative uses of the funds beyond those explicitly listed in the bill.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Roads & Highways

signed · Connecticut · House May 27, 2026

HB 5464: AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND CONCERNING VEGETATION MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES, TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES AND RIDER SAFETY, TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODERNIZATION GRANT PROGRAM, ENCAMPMENTS, MARINE PILOT LICENSE FEES, MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, DISTRACTED DRIVING, A TASK FORCE TO STUDY ACCESS TO PARKING FOR HOME HEALTH AGENCIES AND A WORKING GROUP TO STUDY USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN SCHOOL BUS FLEETS.

This bill implements recommendations from the Department of Transportation by requiring utility companies to maintain infrastructure within state highway rights-of-way and establishing new standards for electric vehicle charging at state facilities. The legislation mandates that utility companies install, repair, and replace service connections in state highway areas, with larger companies needing permits for work on public roads. Additionally, the bill sets a target for state bus fleets to include at least 30% zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and requires new state facilities with public parking to have 8% of spaces designed for future electric vehicle charging. State agencies managing EV charging stations will be restricted from allowing non-charging vehicles to occupy those spaces, though exceptions exist for vehicles that can charge without being plugged in. These changes affect utility providers, state transportation infrastructure, and public parking policies across Connecticut.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Public Transit Roads & Highways

signed · Connecticut · Senate May 11, 2026

SB 519: AN ACT AMENDING A PRIOR CONVEYANCE OF STATE LAND TO THE BRIDGEPORT PORT AUTHORITY.

This bill amends a prior agreement to transfer a 1-acre state-owned land parcel in Bridgeport to the Bridgeport Port Authority for free, covering only administrative costs. The land, located near Interstate 95 and Stratford Avenue, must be used for economic development or waterfront projects, with any future sales or leases requiring fair market value pricing and proceeds going to the state's Transportation Fund. The Department of Transportation must also grant the Port Authority a right of way to access the property, while the State Properties Review Board must approve the transfer within 30 days.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Ports Roads & Highways

in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 5069: AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR ROAD WORK IN THE TOWN OF NEW MILFORD.

HB 5069 authorizes the state to issue bonds to fund road repairs in New Milford, specifically for projects recommended in the Department of Transportation's October 2024 Road Safety Audit report. The bond proceeds would be used by the DOT to provide a grant-in-aid directly to New Milford for completing these road improvements. This bill targets the town of New Milford and focuses on safety-related infrastructure upgrades identified in the audit. The funding mechanism is straightforward: state bonds → DOT grant → New Milford road projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Debt & Bonds Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 27, 2026

HB 5172: AN ACT CONCERNING FUNDING FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF RADAR SPEED SIGNS ON FOREST ROAD IN THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN.

HB 5172 appropriates funding for the installation and maintenance of radar speed signs along Forest Road in New Haven. The bill directly affects residents and drivers on Forest Road by providing resources to reduce speeding. It authorizes the Department of Transportation to use the allocated funds for this specific safety improvement during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The sole purpose stated is to increase safety on this road segment through visible speed monitoring.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 5062: AN ACT ELIMINATING THE HIGHWAY USE TAX.

HB 5062 eliminates the highway use tax by amending section 12-493a of the general statutes. This bill directly affects drivers and vehicle owners who previously paid this tax on vehicle use. The key mechanism is the removal of the tax provision from state law, with no new fees or requirements added. The change simplifies vehicle-related taxes but does not alter other transportation funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

in committee · Connecticut · Senate Feb 11, 2026

SB 163: AN ACT AUTHORIZING BONDS OF THE STATE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO DOUBLEDAY ROAD IN THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA.

SB 163 authorizes the state to issue up to $10 million in bonds to fund road improvements on Doubleday Road in the town of Columbia. The funds would be provided as a grant to the town through the Department of Transportation for specific work including drainage, bridge repairs, and roadbed upgrades. This bill directly affects the town of Columbia and its residents by providing state funding for local infrastructure. The key mechanism is the bond authorization, with the State Bond Commission empowered to issue the bonds under existing law.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

All transportation bills