Connecticut House Bill HB05273

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/13
• Refer: 1/14/13

Caption

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

Impact

By instituting a two-thirds majority requirement for municipal mandates, the bill seeks to decrease the frequency of such mandates being passed, particularly those that do not come with corresponding funding. Supporters of HB 05273 argue that this will alleviate the financial strain on municipalities, which are often forced to implement state mandates without the necessary financial support, potentially leading to budget shortfalls and cuts to essential local services. This could positively impact local governance, allowing for more autonomy in decision-making.

Summary

House Bill 05273 proposes a significant modification to the legislative process concerning municipal mandates by requiring that any law imposing such mandates be enacted by a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers of the General Assembly. This alteration is intended to provide municipalities with needed relief from what are often considered unfunded mandates from the state, thereby shifting the balance of power towards local governments and giving them a greater ability to manage their resources effectively.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its critics. Some legislators express concerns that enforcing a two-thirds majority for municipal mandates could hinder the state’s ability to respond swiftly to pressing societal needs by complicating the legislative process. Opposition to the bill may include fears that it could stall important legislation aimed at addressing local issues or expanding services that are critical for community welfare, thus creating a bottleneck in legislative actions. The debate centers on the balance between local control and the necessary authority of the state to enforce mandates that may be in the public interest.