Connecticut House Bill HB05098

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/15
• Refer: 1/7/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Publication Of Notice By Municipalities.

Impact

The potential impact of HB 05098 on state laws includes a shift towards more technology-based approaches in disseminating public information. By permitting the publication of notices on municipal websites, local governments could significantly reduce the costs associated with traditional newspaper advertising. This could lead to a more streamlined flow of information, facilitating better citizen engagement and ensuring that residents have easier access to pertinent information regarding local governance.

Summary

House Bill 05098 proposes amendments to section 1-2 of the general statutes, allowing municipalities to publish notices in newspapers as a limited description of the matter being noticed and include a reference to a municipality's website for additional information. This legislative effort aims to modernize the notice publication process by facilitating a clearer and more accessible method of communication between municipalities and the public. The intent behind this bill is to enhance the efficiency of public notices while addressing fiscal concerns associated with traditional newspaper advertising.

Contention

While characterized largely as a cost-saving measure, there may be concerns about the accessibility of information in this new format. Some stakeholders may argue that not all residents have equal access to the internet, which could lead to disparities in the information being disseminated to the public. Hence, as municipalities transition to a more digital-first approach for public notices, the balance between efficiency and accessibility will likely require ongoing attention and further discussion among lawmakers and community members.