(a) There is established a Motor Carrier Advisory Council, which shall serve as a forum for representatives of the motor carrier industry to meet with representatives of various state agencies responsible for the oversight, enforcement and regulation of the commercial transportation industry. The council shall: (1) Make recommendations to eliminate the duplication of work among various state agencies; (2) make recommendations to promote uniformity of enforcement policies; (3) encourage the consolidation of the state’s efforts to regulate and oversee the operation of commercial motor vehicles in the state by reviewing the feasibility of consolidating the issuing of the forms, decals, permits, registrations, licenses and approvals required for the operation of commercial motor vehicles in the state from a central location; (4) consider the intrastate and interstate effects of state policies on the ability of Connecticut motor carriers to compete with motor carriers based in other states; and (5) consider and make recommendations concerning any other matter deemed relevant by the council.

(b) The Motor Carrier Advisory Council shall consist of the following voting members: The Commissioners of Transportation, Motor Vehicles, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Revenue Services, Economic and Community Development and Energy and Environmental Protection, or their designees, and any other commissioner of a state agency, or such commissioner’s designee, invited to participate. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or the commissioner’s designee shall organize and serve as chairperson of the council. The council shall only make recommendations or take actions by a unanimous vote of all members present and voting. The council may make recommendations as the council deems appropriate to the United States Congress, the Governor or the General Assembly.

(c) The chairperson of the council shall convene a regular meeting semiannually, for the following purposes: (1) After the commencement of each regular session of the General Assembly, the council shall meet concerning legislative proposals of the various state agencies and the representatives of the motor carrier industry; and (2) after the close of each regular session of the General Assembly, the council shall meet concerning the impacts and implementation of any legislation affecting the motor carrier industry. Additional meetings may be convened at the call of the chairperson.

(d) The council shall solicit input from representatives of motor-carrier-related industries. Such representatives shall include, but not be limited to, the Connecticut Motor Transport Association, the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, the Connecticut Bus Association, the Connecticut Food Store Association and the Connecticut School Transportation Association.