7-9-02 - Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland has reportedly signed a revised $13.2 billion budget that calls for a 44 percent increase in the state's diesel fuel tax. The jump from 18 to 26 cents per gallon takes effect August 1. The proposal did not go through the normal legislative process. It did not come to light until two days before the fiscal year ended - the final deadline for lawmakers to pass a budget deal. The tax increase is projected to create about $25 million in additional revenue, according to proponents. State Rep. James Amann, (D-Milford), tried to persuade his fellow legislators to strip the tax increase from the budget bill because it would hurt the trucking industry in Connecticut. Rep. Andrea Stillman,(D-Waterford), vice chairman of the legislature's tax writing committee, persuaded House members to keep the increase. Stillman said removing it creates a $25 million hole in the budget. The increase keeps Connecticut in line with neighboring states, she said.

3/18/02 - A bill reluctantly endorsed by the Connecticut Legislature's House Transportation Committee would let tractor-trailers park in commuter lots and roadside weigh stations. Raised Bill 5529 is in response to the shortage of parking spots for trucks, especially along Interstate 95, where an estimated 1,200 truckers can't find anywhere to park each night, according to a state study.

Raised Bill 5529 would let trucks use any commuter parking lot or official weigh station in the state for the purpose of parking and resting. The general number for the Connecticut House is (860) 240-0500.

7/19/01-A bill aimed at overweight trucks is still alive. It has been merged into SB284. On June 4, SB284 was given House calendar number 610. Session will reopen Feb. 6, 2002.

5/18/01 - HB6326 aimed at outlawing the use of handheld cellular phones while driving has apparently died on the Senate floor. Earlier this month, the House approved it 86-57, becoming the first legislative chamber in the United States to back such a measure.
According to Rep. Richard Roy's office, Senate majority leaders who opposed the bill sent it to a hostile public safety committee knowing it would die there without being brought up for a vote. Thirty-five other states have introduced similar bills, but none have passed both legislatures.
The bill would apply only to handheld devices. Mobile systems that use headsets, ear pieces or hands-free technology could still be used while driving. Emergency calls from handheld phones would also be permitted.
Roy told Land Line there's still time to resurrect the bill before the session ends on June 6. He plans to try to attach HB6326 to another bill on the House floor or Senate floor. The general number for the Connecticut General Assembly is (860) 240-0100.

5/18/01 - HB6326 aimed at outlawing the use of handheld cellular phones while driving has apparently died on the Senate floor. Earlier this month, the House approved it 86-57, becoming the first legislative chamber in the United States to back such a measure. According to Rep. Richard Roy's office, Senate majority leaders who opposed the bill sent it to a hostile public safety committee knowing it would die there without being brought up for a vote. Thirty-five other states have introduced similar bills, but none have passed both legislatures. The bill would apply only to handheld devices. Mobile systems that use headsets, ear pieces or hands-free technology could still be used while driving. Emergency calls from handheld phones would also be permitted. Roy told Land Line there's still time to resurrect the bill before the session ends on June 6. He plans to try to attach HB6326 to another bill on the House floor or Senate floor. The general number for the Connecticut General Assembly is (860) 240-0100.

4/24/01 - Raised (Proposed) Bill 288, now SB284, aimed at targeting habitually overweight trucks is still alive. The bill, requested by the Connecticut DMV, would require the owner of an out-of-state vehicle weighing 18,000 pounds or more to post a $2,000 bond for an overweight violation. The bond would be forfeited on a second conviction or failure to appear for such violation. In addition, the commissioner would revoke the registration or refuse to issue a registration for any length of time and fine the truck owner/lessee. Minimum fines may range from $50 for a 5 percent overweight violation to $1,000 for a 30 percent overweight violation. The proposal has been attached to an omnibus bill in the hope of passing it before session adjourns June 16.

4/17/01 - Raised (Proposed) Bill 288 aimed at targeting habitually overweight trucks has been submitted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill would require the owner of an out-of-state vehicle weighing 18,000 pounds or more to post a bond for an overweight violation in the amount of $2,000. The bond would be forfeited on a second conviction or failure to appear for such violation. In addition, the commissioner may revoke the registration or refuse to issue a registration for any length of time and fine the owner or lessee of the CMV. Minimum fines may range from $50 for a 5 percent overweight violation to $1,000 for a 30 percent overweight violation. RB288 has been attached to an omnibus bill in the hope of getting it passed before session adjournment on June 16. The bill number is now SB284.