Connecticut House Bill HB05241

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/13
• Refer: 1/11/13

Caption

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

Impact

The passage of HB 05241 would have considerable implications on how state mandates are imposed on local governments. By requiring a two-thirds majority for enactment, the bill aims to limit potential overreach by the state legislature in dictating policies at the local level. This would effectively slow down the legislative process concerning new mandates, as obtaining such a majority can be challenging. Supporters of the bill argue that this approach protects local jurisdictions' rights by ensuring that changes are not made lightly or without comprehensive legislative backing.

Summary

House Bill 05241 proposes an amendment to the existing legislation regarding the enactment of new municipal mandates. The primary objective of this bill is to require that any bill creating or enlarging a state mandate for local governments must receive approval through a two-thirds vote from both the House and the Senate. This measure is intended to ensure that significant changes affecting local governmental powers undergo rigorous scrutiny and are supported by a substantial majority of the legislature, reflecting the concerns of various stakeholders involved in local governance.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this bill. Critics could argue that the requirement for a two-thirds vote may hinder necessary legislative action that could be beneficial for local governments and their constituents. They might contend that it could delay or obstruct important reforms that might require immediate attention. Furthermore, the bill might provoke debate about the balance of power between state and local governments, as well as discussions on whether imposed mandates are in the best interest of the communities they serve.