Connecticut House Bill HB06101

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Permitting Businesses To Seek A Declaratory Ruling From The Attorney General.

Impact

The legislation modifies Section 4-176 of the general statutes to explicitly empower businesses facing genuine disputes with state agencies to request a declaratory ruling. This adjustment could lead to significant changes in how businesses interact with state regulatory bodies, providing them an avenue for legal interpretation of state regulations. The change is expected to enhance legal clarity for businesses, potentially reducing compliance ambiguities and fostering a more cooperative relationship between businesses and state regulators.

Summary

House Bill 6101, introduced in the General Assembly, aims to provide a mechanism for businesses to seek a declaratory ruling from the Attorney General regarding disputes with state agencies concerning the application of regulations. This change is intended to allow businesses to clarify how regulations affect their operations, especially in instances where the enforcement of these regulations is controversial. By enabling businesses to directly consult with the Attorney General, the bill seeks to foster a more transparent and coherent regulatory environment.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise concerning the implications of granting businesses the ability to bypass direct compliance disputes with state agencies. Critics might argue that the bill could lead to an increase in requests for declaratory rulings, resulting in a heavier workload for the Attorney General's office. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential misuse of this power by businesses seeking to avoid compliance with regulations under the guise of a dispute. Supporters, however, contend that this provision is a necessary tool for businesses to ensure they are adhering to the law without facing onerous enforcement actions.