Connecticut House Bill HB05439

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/13
• Refer: 1/18/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Approval Of Unfunded Mandates.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would amend Chapter 16 of the general statutes, creating a more stringent approval process for unfunded mandates. The intended effect of this measure is to alleviate the financial pressures imposed on municipalities when forced to comply with regulations that lack adequate state funding. By limiting the introduction of such mandates, the bill seeks to safeguard local budgets and encourage responsible financial management at the municipal level.

Summary

House Bill 5439, also known as the Act Concerning the Approval of Unfunded Mandates, proposes significant changes to the way unfunded mandates are handled by the state government concerning municipalities. The bill stipulates that any new unfunded mandate shall not be imposed on local governments unless it receives a two-thirds approval vote from both chambers of the General Assembly. This is aimed at providing local governments with greater autonomy and financial relief from state-imposed mandates that do not come with corresponding funding support.

Contention

The bill may encounter differing opinions among legislators, particularly among those who advocate for stronger local control versus those who argue in favor of state-level uniformity. Supporters of HB 5439 might contend that the bill protects local governments from unfunded requirements that could stretch their resources thin, while opponents could assert that it may hinder essential services that require statewide intervention without additional funding.