Connecticut Senate Bill SB00185

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Municipal Employees From Sitting On Certain Boards And Commissions.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB00185 could have significant implications for the composition and functioning of local boards and commissions. By prohibiting municipal employees from sitting on these entities, the bill seeks to reduce instances where a town employee’s interests could unduly influence board decisions. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of representation on these boards, opening the doors for a broader range of community members to participate and contribute to local governance.

Summary

SB00185 seeks to amend section 7-421 of the general statutes to prevent municipal employees from serving on boards or commissions within the town they work. The primary intention of this bill is to eliminate potential conflicts of interest that may arise when town employees have the power to influence decisions that directly affect their employment or the interests of their departments. This legislation targets the governance structure at the municipal level and aims to promote transparency and integrity in local government operations.

Contention

Although the bill has the potential to increase accountability in local government, it may face opposition from those who argue that current members—being municipal employees—bring valuable insight and expertise to these boards. Critics may claim that the ban on municipal employees could lead to a loss of essential knowledge that informs important community decisions. Additionally, enforcing this prohibition could complicate local governance, possibly resulting in challenges in recruiting qualified non-employee members to these boards, thereby hindering their functionality.