Connecticut House Bill HB05026

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/12
• Refer: 2/9/12
• Report Pass: 3/29/12
• Refer: 4/10/12
• Report Pass: 4/17/12
• Refer: 4/23/12
• Report Pass: 4/25/12
• Engrossed: 5/2/12
• Report Pass: 5/3/12

Caption

An Act Concerning The Secretary Of The State's Authority Following A Proclamation Or Declaration Of An Emergency Or Major Disaster.

Impact

The potential impact of HB 05026 on state laws includes a more structured response to emergencies concerning election management. By granting the Secretary of the State legal standing to intervene during declared emergencies, the bill seeks to facilitate the orderly execution of elections, thereby bolstering public confidence in the electoral process. This change is expected to streamline how local officials can manage elections during significant disruptions, maintaining electoral integrity even under adverse conditions.

Summary

House Bill 05026, titled 'An Act Concerning The Secretary Of The State's Authority Following A Proclamation Or Declaration Of An Emergency Or Major Disaster', aims to enhance the authority of the Secretary of the State in Connecticut during crises. Specifically, it allows the Secretary of the State to seek court intervention on behalf of municipalities when a civil preparedness emergency is declared by the Governor or when a major disaster is proclaimed by the President. This intervention may include actions such as postponing elections or relocating polling places, ensuring that elections can proceed smoothly in times of turmoil.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 05026 appears to be generally positive with unanimous support evident from recent voting records. The bill received a favorable vote with 142 yeas and no nays, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on its necessity. This suggests that legislators acknowledge the importance of having a mechanism in place to manage elections during emergencies, highlighting a collaborative effort to maintain democracy in challenging times.

Contention

While there appears to be overall support for HB 05026, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the extent of authority granted to the Secretary of the State. Discussions might focus on ensuring that this authority does not infringe upon local governance or voter rights. Critics may argue about the implications of allowing a state official to intervene in local election matters, illuminating a tension between state authority and local autonomy in election management.