Connecticut House Bill HB06097

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Modifying The Process For Creating Public-private Partnerships.

Impact

The bill’s modification of Chapter 55d of the general statutes is expected to have significant implications for state law governing public-private partnerships. By enabling a commission to review and approve projects, the bill may foster a more agile and responsive approach to partnership formation. The emphasis on prioritizing self-sufficient projects is indicative of a focus on financial prudence, potentially reducing the burden on state resources when funding such initiatives. This could lead to an increase in sustainable development practices as local governments seek to establish partnerships that do not rely on state funding.

Summary

House Bill 06097 aims to modify the existing processes surrounding public-private partnerships in the state. This legislation proposes the establishment of a dedicated commission responsible for overseeing the creation and approval of such partnerships, thereby shifting the decision-making authority from the Governor to this newly formed body. Proponents of the bill argue that by decentralizing the approval process, local entities may have increased access to engage in partnerships without encountering bureaucratic hurdles that might arise through gubernatorial oversight.

Contention

While the bill is positioned as a mechanism for economic growth through enhanced collaboration between public entities and private businesses, it may raise concerns regarding accountability and governance. Opponents could argue that the delegation of project approval to a commission might dilute oversight opportunities previously held by the Governor, thereby increasing the risk of misalignment between state interests and local project implementations. Ensuring that there remains a balance between encouraging partnerships and maintaining public accountability will be critical in the discussions surrounding this bill.