Connecticut House Bill HB06679

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/13
• Refer: 3/25/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Counting Of Incarcerated Persons For Purposes Of Determining Legislative Districts And Distributing State And Federal Funds.

Impact

The implementation of HB 06679 could significantly alter the political and fiscal landscape within the state. By reclassifying how incarcerated individuals are counted, it is expected that some districts may gain or lose population representation, potentially shifting political power within legislative bodies. Furthermore, the redirection of federal and state funds could impact local services and infrastructure development, aligning them more closely with the actual demographic needs of communities.

Summary

House Bill 06679 aims to change the way incarcerated persons are counted for legislative district purposes and the distribution of state and federal funds. The bill mandates that incarcerated individuals will be counted as residents of their last known address prior to incarceration instead of the correctional facility where they are held. This approach intends to provide a more accurate representation of population demographics for redistricting and funding allocation decisions affecting local communities.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 06679 suggests a significant shift in the intersection of criminal justice policy and demographic legislation in the state. As it progresses through discussions and potential votes, it reflects ongoing debates around representation, community resource equity, and the implications of incarceration on civic participation.

Contention

The bill has prompted discussions regarding fairness and accuracy in representation. Proponents argue that counting incarcerated people where they actually reside will ensure that their communities receive appropriate resources, while opponents may express concerns about the loss of funding for correctional facilities and its subsequent impact on local economies. The discussion also touches upon deeper societal issues such as racial disparities in incarceration and resource allocation.