Connecticut House Bill HB05999

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Impact Of Legislation On Jobs And The Economy.

Impact

The bill is expected to notably influence the way legislation is drafted and analyzed in Connecticut. By necessitating a jobs impact statement for a minimum of ten bills passed during designated sessions, it encourages a more deliberate examination of economic consequences. This could lead to more economically beneficial legislation, as legislators will be compelled to consider job impacts concurrently with other policy objectives. Consequently, the resulting analysis might foster legislation that supports job growth and mitigates potential job losses resulting from new laws.

Summary

House Bill 05999, introduced during the January Session of 2011, mandates that certain bills reported favorably from the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee must include a jobs impact statement. This statement, prepared by the Office of Fiscal Analysis in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development, estimates the potential effects of the legislation on employment within the state. The goal of this requirement is to provide a clearer understanding of how proposed laws can influence job creation or loss, and to ensure that lawmakers are more informed about the economic implications of their legislative decisions.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen the review process for job-related ramifications of new legislation, it may also raise concerns regarding the efficiency and feasibility of such analyses. Critics might argue that the requirement for a jobs impact statement could slow down legislative processes or burden committee resources, particularly if the analysis is complex. Proponents, however, assert that the benefits of clearer economic perspectives outweigh the potential administrative challenges, creating a necessary balance between legislative initiative and economic accountability.