Connecticut Senate Bill SB00235

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/12
• Refer: 2/23/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Municipal Agents For The Elderly.

Impact

The implications of this bill extend to how local governments structure their support for elderly citizens. By formally requiring municipalities to appoint an agent for elderly persons, the bill reinforces the importance of dedicated resources for the aging population. This shift could lead to increased collaboration between municipalities and the Department of Social Services, benefiting elderly residents through better access to information and services. However, municipalities will also need to allocate resources for training and support for these agents, which could create budgetary considerations.

Summary

SB00235, an Act Concerning Municipal Agents For The Elderly, aims to establish clear roles and responsibilities for municipal agents designated to assist elderly residents. It amends existing statutes to specify the duties of these agents, which include disseminating information about community resources, assisting elderly persons with accessing benefits, and submitting reports on the needs of the elderly to local officials and the Department of Social Services. These changes are designed to improve service delivery to the elderly population and ensure that their needs are adequately addressed at the municipal level.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB00235 is the requirement for municipalities to not only appoint agents but also to ensure that these agents receive sufficient training to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Critics may argue that this could impose additional regulatory burdens on local governments, particularly on smaller municipalities with limited budgets. Supporters, however, contend that the benefits of having well-informed and trained municipal agents far outweigh these concerns, as they are crucial in addressing the unique needs of elderly individuals within the community.