Connecticut House Bill HB05257

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/10
• Refer: 2/18/10

Caption

An Act Concerning The Termination Of New Municipal Mandates.

Impact

If passed, HB 05257 will significantly affect the relationship between the state and local governments regarding mandates and regulations. The bill would ensure that taxpayers are not indefinitely responsible for the costs associated with any new mandates without a periodic review of their necessity. By mandating a three-year sunset provision, the bill encourages a culture of reassessment and judicious governance, potentially leading to less fiscal strain on local budgets.

Summary

House Bill 05257 aims to establish automatic expiration dates for new municipal mandates imposed on local governments. Specifically, the bill defines a municipal mandate as an action that requires local governments to modify their operations in a way that incurs additional costs. The intent behind this legislation is to alleviate the financial burden placed on municipalities by ensuring that any new mandate can only last for a maximum of three years unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. This mechanism is meant to promote accountability and ensure that mandates remain relevant and necessary over time.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may include concerns from local governments about the potential lack of flexibility needed to respond to evolving community needs, especially in circumstances where additional mandates are critical for local welfare. Critics may argue that automatic expirations could lead to the unintended consequence of local governments losing essential operational guidelines. Proponents, however, argue that this reform is essential for preventing unnecessary fiscal exhaustion and for ensuring that local governments can make decisions that are in the best interests of their communities without being unduly constrained by outdated mandates.