Connecticut Senate Bill SB00301

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Transparency Within The Department Of Children And Families.

Impact

The impact of SB00301 is primarily on the transparency of governmental operations related to child welfare. By making more records publicly accessible, the bill seeks to ensure that the DCF is held accountable for its decision-making and actions within child protection contexts. This increased access is expected to foster public trust and promote oversight of the agency's functions, potentially influencing how the department addresses issues of child safety and welfare.

Summary

SB00301 is designed to enhance transparency within the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by clarifying the limitations of the freedom of information exemption related to DCF records. The bill aims to make internal reviews, reports, assessments, and records concerning child protection matters and facility operations subject to public access, except for personally identifying information that must be redacted. This legislation represents a significant shift toward increasing the accountability of the department's operations and practices.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00301 may arise from concerns related to privacy and the protection of vulnerable populations. Critics might argue that even with redactions, increased access to records could lead to unintended exposure of sensitive information, potentially jeopardizing the safety and well-being of children and families involved with the DCF. Thus, while the intention of the bill is to promote transparency, careful considerations must be made to balance this goal with the need for confidentiality in certain matters.