Connecticut House Bill HB06339

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/11
• Refer: 2/10/11
• Report Pass: 3/25/11
• Refer: 4/7/11
• Report Pass: 4/13/11
• Refer: 4/21/11

Caption

An Act Authorizing Municipalities To Publish Notices On The Internet.

Impact

The legislation is expected to streamline the notice publication process for municipalities, promoting greater efficiency and financial savings. By allowing online publication, the bill encourages local governments to use digital platforms that are often more accessible to the public, potentially increasing community engagement and awareness regarding municipal activities and decisions. The regulation will become effective on October 1, 2011, marking a notable change in the practice of public transparency.

Summary

House Bill 06339, known as the 'Act Authorizing Municipalities To Publish Notices On The Internet', proposes a significant shift in how municipalities can disseminate public notices. Instead of being required to publish notices exclusively in newspapers, municipalities in the state will have the option to post these notices on their official websites. This change aims to improve accessibility and reduce costs associated with traditional publishing methods.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 06339 appears to be generally positive, particularly among proponents who support modernization and cost-saving measures within municipal operations. Advocates argue that the bill enhances transparency and aligns with contemporary communication practices. However, there may be some concerns regarding access to the internet among certain demographics, raising questions about equitable access to public information.

Contention

While the proposal seeks to modernize how municipalities communicate with their constituents, there are potential points of contention related to ensuring that all community members can access the published information. Critics may voice concerns about the effectiveness of online publication to reach all demographics, particularly in areas with less internet connectivity. This aspect of the bill will require ongoing evaluation to ensure that the move toward digital notices does not inadvertently disenfranchise any groups within the community.