Connecticut House Bill HB05101

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/13
• Refer: 1/9/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Approval Of New Unfunded Mandates By The General Assembly.

Impact

Should HB 5101 be enacted, it would significantly alter the process by which new unfunded mandates can be introduced. The two-thirds requirement is intended to ensure that any new obligations on local governments are carefully considered and supported by a substantial legislative majority, thus giving municipalities greater protection against unanticipated costs. This measure acknowledges the necessity of safeguarding municipal budgets and allows for more proactive management of local affairs without undue financial pressure from higher levels of government.

Summary

House Bill 5101 seeks to amend existing statutes concerning unfunded mandates directed at municipalities, establishing that any new unfunded mandate would require a two-thirds approval vote from both chambers of the General Assembly. The purpose of this bill is to provide relief to municipalities that often struggle with the financial burden of mandates imposed without corresponding funding. By necessitating a larger consensus for the approval of such mandates, the bill aims to protect local governments from unexpected fiscal strains.

Contention

Several points of contention could arise from the introduction of this bill. Proponents argue that the bill will provide essential budgetary relief and enable municipalities to manage their resources more effectively, while opponents may view the two-thirds requirement as potentially obstructing necessary legislation that could benefit local communities. There is a concern that this could result in a legislative impasse, where critical mandates that could improve public services are delayed or blocked due to the stringent voting requirement.