Connecticut House Bill HB06515

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/11
• Refer: 3/3/11
• Report Pass: 4/26/11
• Refer: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 5/11/11
• Refer: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 5/25/11
• Engrossed: 6/6/11
• Report Pass: 6/6/11
• Chaptered: 6/30/11
• Enrolled: 7/1/11
• Passed: 7/13/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Job Creation And Habitat Restoration.

Impact

The enactment of HB 6515 will result in a reallocation of funds, creating a dedicated Long Island Sound account to finance various projects aligned with habitat restoration and ecological education. It serves to strengthen local efforts in restoring vital habitats and ensuring public accessibility to natural resources while promoting public outreach. Additionally, the bill encourages citizen engagement through donations associated with the issuance and renewal of these commemorative plates, thereby fostering a collective environment stewardship in Connecticut.

Summary

House Bill No. 6515, titled 'An Act Concerning Job Creation And Habitat Restoration,' aims to enhance public awareness regarding restoration efforts for Long Island Sound through the issuance of commemorative number plates. The bill allows the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to issue special plates designed in conjunction with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. The revenue generated from these special plates would be directed towards activities that support the restoration and rehabilitation of Long Island Sound's ecosystem, along with public education initiatives about its conservation. This legislative effort emphasizes the importance of both economic and ecological considerations in policy-making.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 6515 appear to exhibit a positive sentiment overall, as many stakeholders recognize the dual benefits of the bill in promoting both job creation through potential funding sources and environmental restoration. Advocates for ecological preservation expressed favorable views towards the bill's intent and mechanisms, emphasizing the necessity of restoring natural resources in Long Island Sound. However, some concerns regarding the efficiency of fund allocation and the execution of projects under the bill were raised, indicating a cautious optimism among critics.

Contention

Despite the positive outlook, notable points of contention emerged regarding the oversight of the newly established Long Island Sound account and the implementation of the initiatives funded by it. Critics called for assurances that funds would be used effectively for intended restoration efforts rather than administrative overhead. There was also some debate regarding equitable access to the benefits of habitat restoration across communities adjacent to Long Island Sound. Addressing these concerns will be crucial to ensuring broad support for the bill and its legislative goals.