Connecticut House Bill HB05777

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Requiring Job Impact Statements On Proposed Legislation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05777 would amend Chapter 16 of the Connecticut general statutes to integrate job impact assessments into the legislative process. The law would obligate legislators to analyze the potential job creation or loss associated with any proposed legislation, ensuring that job security and employment trends are taken into consideration. This could lead to more informed decision-making and potentially avoid legislation that could negatively affect job markets in the state.

Summary

House Bill 05777 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the legislative process by requiring that all proposed legislation, including bills, resolutions, and amendments, be accompanied by a job impact statement. This statement would provide an estimate of the proposal's potential effects on employment in the state, with the intention of ensuring that lawmakers consider the employment implications of their decisions. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need to evaluate policies within the context of their economic ramifications.

Contention

While some legislators and stakeholders support HB 05777 for its potential to promote economic consideration in policymaking, there could be concerns about the feasibility and accuracy of job impact statements. Critics may argue that estimating job impacts can be complex and subjective, potentially leading to misinterpretations or misuse of the data presented. Furthermore, the requirement for statements may pose additional burdens on the legislative process, potentially delaying the introduction of important bills and amendments that do not lend themselves to easy quantification of job impacts.