Connecticut Senate Bill SB00304

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/10
• Refer: 2/24/10

Caption

An Act Concerning State Surplus Properties.

Impact

If enacted, SB00304 will significantly impact the administration of state surplus properties by reducing the burden of public comment except in specific situations. By allowing some transactions to proceed without exhaustive notification and comment procedures, the bill is intended to expedite the transfer of state lands, particularly for smaller parcels under ten acres. This could help state agencies more efficiently manage their resources and dispose of surplus properties without lengthy procedures that may currently hinder administration. However, it also raises concerns regarding adequate public input and environmental considerations during the disposal of public lands.

Summary

SB00304, titled 'An Act Concerning State Surplus Properties,' seeks to amend the existing statutes relating to the sale or transfer of state lands and interests. The bill aims to streamline the process by modifying requirements for notification and public comment for certain transactions involving state property. Specifically, state agencies, departments, or institutions would be required to provide notice of land transfers to the Council on Environmental Quality and other stakeholders, along with a written public comment period of thirty days. This move reflects an ongoing effort to balance public oversight with administrative efficiency in managing state assets.

Contention

Notable points of contention have emerged around the implications of reducing public comment requirements related to state land sales. Critics argue that the lessening of these requirements could compromise environmental protections and diminish public engagement, leading to hasty decisions regarding state resources that should be scrutinized. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that the bill reflects a necessary modernization of state procedures, arguing that too much red tape leads to inefficiency in managing state assets. This ongoing debate encompasses broader themes of balancing governmental efficiency with public accountability.