Connecticut House Bill HB05929

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/11
• Refer: 1/24/11

Caption

An Act Imposing A Moratorium On Mandatory Binding Arbitration Awards.

Impact

If enacted, HB05929 would have a considerable impact on the management of contract disputes by municipalities. By suspending new arbitration awards, local governments would have the opportunity to seek alternative dispute resolution methods or maintain their existing processes without the imminent risk of arbitration outcomes. This could lead to more collaborative negotiations with contractors and suppliers, as municipalities might have more leverage and flexibility in working through issues without immediate binding arbitration resolutions.

Summary

House Bill 05929, also known as the Act Imposing A Moratorium On Mandatory Binding Arbitration Awards, aims to impose a three-year halt on any new mandatory binding arbitration awards. This bill is intended to provide relief to municipalities, possibly allowing them more time to negotiate and resolve contractual disputes without the pressure of arbitration decisions that could financially burden them. The inclusion of a moratorium suggests a need for legislative review and possibly reevaluation of arbitration practices as they affect local governance.

Contention

The bill is likely to generate discussions around the efficacy and fairness of mandatory arbitration practices. Some proponents may argue that the moratorium is essential for allowing municipalities to develop better approaches to conflict resolution, while critics could see it as undermining the agreements that stakeholders have made, thereby potentially slowing down the resolution of disputes. The balance between providing municipalities with relief and ensuring that contractual agreements are honored could be points of contention among legislators and interest groups.