Connecticut House Bill HB05172

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/13
• Refer: 1/10/13

Caption

An Act Requiring A Two-thirds Vote To Enact New Municipal Mandates.

Impact

The introduction of HB 05172 is anticipated to have a notable influence on state laws governing local administrations. By requiring a two-thirds majority for new municipal mandates, the bill may lead to a decrease in state impositions on local governments, effectively allowing municipalities more autonomy in their governance. This could result in fewer regulations that may be perceived as overreaching or that do not take local circumstances into account. The ramifications of this change may further extend to budgeting and resource allocation at the local level, where mandated programs can often strain municipal finances.

Summary

House Bill 05172 aims to amend the general statutes concerning municipal mandates. The bill stipulates that any new or expanded state mandates affecting local governments must be enacted with a two-thirds majority vote from both the House and Senate. The proposed change is significant as it raises the threshold required for passing legislation that imposes obligations on municipalities, potentially reducing the frequency of such mandates due to the higher legislative barrier that would need to be overcome.

Contention

While some stakeholders may view HB 05172 as a form of protection for local governments, proponents might argue that it strikes a necessary balance between state oversight and local control. However, opposition may arise from entities that advocate for comprehensive state mandates aimed at addressing uniform issues across jurisdictions, such as environmental protection or public health initiatives. Critics may argue that this heightened requirement could hinder timely responses to state-level crises or needs, leading to a disconnect between state objectives and local implementation.