MTAC testimony to Transportation Committee
This week, MTAC President Joe Sculley submitted testimony to the joint Transportation Committee on several pieces of legislation. The legislation focused on the study of autonomous vehicles, and a proposal to require transporters of alcoholic liquor to file monthly reports with the Department of Revenue Services, containing info such as the name and business address…
This week, MTAC President Joe Sculley submitted testimony to the joint Transportation Committee on several pieces of legislation. The legislation focused on the study of autonomous vehicles, and a proposal to require transporters of alcoholic liquor to file monthly reports with the Department of Revenue Services, containing info such as the name and business address of each consignor of the alcoholic liquor, the name and address of each consignee of the alcoholic liquor and the date of shipment or delivery of the alcoholic liquor. MTAC praised the autonomous vehicle study bills, but criticized the liquor transporter bill.
Regarding the bills proposing the study of autonomous vehicles, the testimony stated, in part, “MTAC applauds these bills regarding the study of autonomous vehicles, because Connecticut must allow the newest technologies (which have the potential for great safety benefits) to ultimately be deployed in our state. Autonomous technology is also being developed for the commercial trucking industry, and it is currently being tested in other states.
MTAC urges that the potential regulation of autonomous commercial vehicles by the State of Connecticut not be rushed to implementation. Given the nature of interstate commercial trucking, it is likely that a strong federal framework for regulation of autonomous commercial trucks is desirable. Any potential regulation of autonomous commercial trucks by the State of Connecticut should either be closely harmonized with surrounding states policies that are based on federal guidance, or perhaps it should simply adopt federal standards by reference.”
In reaction to the bill regarding liquor transporters, MTAC stated, “This bill will not benefit consumers in any way. Conversely, it could have the opposite result, because it could make it harder for wine shippers to ship wine to consumers.
This bill will impose unnecessary, onerous administrative burdens on motor carriers, and will very possibly limit consumer choice in Connecticut.”
Click here to view a copy of the testimony.