(a) There is established a Vision Zero Council to develop a state-wide policy and interagency approach to eliminate all transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists and passengers. The council shall consider ways to improve safety across all modes of transportation by using data, new partnerships, safe planning and community-based solutions to achieve the goal of zero transportation-related fatalities.

(b) The council shall consist of the Commissioners of Transportation, Public Health and Emergency Services and Public Protection, or their designees, and any other commissioner of a state agency, or such commissioner’s designee, invited to participate by the Commissioners of Transportation, Public Health and Emergency Services and Public Protection. The Commissioner of Transportation or the commissioner’s designee shall serve as chairperson of the council and shall schedule the first meeting of the council not later than September 1, 2021. The Department of Transportation shall serve as administrative staff of the council.

(c) The council may establish committees at any time to advise the council in carrying out its duties.

(d) The council shall assist in the development of any public awareness campaign undertaken by the Department of Transportation to educate the public concerning ways to reduce transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists and passengers, and to increase awareness and improve behaviors of all users of the highways of this state.

(e) On or before February 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the council shall submit the state-wide policy and interagency approach and any other recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation, in accordance with the provisions of § 11-4a.