Connecticut Senate Bill SB00582

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Holding Harmless A Public Official From The Consequences Of A State Administrative Error.

Impact

The implementation of SB00582 would introduce a significant change in how administrative errors affecting public officials are handled. By ensuring that public officials are held harmless from the financial consequences of such errors, the bill aims to protect individuals who may otherwise face personal financial liability due to state mismanagement. This could foster a more secure working environment for public officials, allowing them to perform their duties without the anxiety of potential financial repercussions stemming from administrative mistakes.

Summary

SB00582 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing issues related to administrative errors made by the state that affect public officials. Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that if an administrative error by the office of the Comptroller leads to a failure to pay Social Security or Medicare contributions, as well as any payroll taxes on behalf of an elected public official, the state will assume responsibility for those payments. This includes the obligation to cover any related penalties or interest that may accrue due to the oversight.

Contention

While SB00582 has the potential to provide necessary protections for public officials, it may also lead to debates regarding accountability and financial responsibility within state governance. Critics may argue that the bill could create a precedent that allows for lack of accountability within state agencies, potentially encouraging negligent behavior if officials feel insulated from the consequences of errors. The discussion surrounding this bill could revolve around finding a balance between safeguarding public officials from unjust penalties while still ensuring that state agencies are held accountable for their administrative practices.