Hearing Set For CT Helmet Law Bid

HARTFORD – The Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee will hear testimony on a proposed universal helmet law on Wednesday. A hearing to consider bill No. 6048 as well as 23 other bills is set for 1 p.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building.

Bill No. 6048 was introduced last month by Rep. Tony Guerrera (D – 29th District), who chairs the Transportation Committee.

“My concern is for the riders. It’s awful out there,” he told RIDE-CT & RIDE-NewEngland, explaining that conversations with concerned constituents prompted him to introduce the bill. “I think we need a dialogue as it’s been a while” since helmet legislation was last proposed.

Guerrera noted that roadways are more dangerous than in the past, filled with distracted drivers. “I’m not saying we should have it or not have it,” he said. It’s just that the changing road situation “calls for us to have a hearing to talk about this.”

Groups have already lined up for and against the bill.

Favoring its passage are the AAA Northeast motor club, the Northeast Dualsport Riders motorcycle club, the Connecticut Rider Education Program and the state Department of Transportation. Opposing it are the Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association and the Ohio-based American Motorcyclist Association.

Testimony concerning the proposed helmet law may be submitted to the Transportation Committee in advance of the hearing by email to tratestimony@cga.ct.gov.

Also set to be discussed at next week’s hearing is bill No. 6281, which was introduced by Rep. Rick Lopes (D-24th District). It would require operators of scooters of less than 50cc to wear a helmet.