Connecticut House Bill HB05513

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/16
• Refer: 3/2/16
• Report Pass: 3/18/16
• Refer: 3/31/16
• Report Pass: 4/6/16
• Engrossed: 4/21/16
• Report Pass: 4/25/16
• Chaptered: 5/11/16
• Enrolled: 5/16/16
• Passed: 5/27/16

Caption

An Act Revising Certain Statutes Concerning The State Comptroller.

Impact

The bill's implementation will have significant implications for how state employees can contribute to charitable causes. By formalizing the structures around the State Employee Campaign, HB 5513 aims to streamline the donation process, ensuring that funds are collected and distributed effectively. The updates also emphasize accountability and oversight, as the principal combined fund-raising organization must pass an approval process and submit regular financial reports to ensure transparency in the campaign's operations.

Summary

House Bill 5513, known as an Act Revising Certain Statutes Concerning the State Comptroller, primarily focuses on the regulation and administration of the State Employee Campaign. This campaign is designed to facilitate charitable fundraising among state employees by allowing payroll deductions for contributions toward selected nonprofit federations. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the State Employee Campaign Committee, which is tasked with overseeing the campaign's operations and selecting a principal combined fund-raising organization to manage the campaign effectively.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 5513 appears to be supportive, as it provides a structured approach to charitable giving among state employees while enhancing transparency and accountability. Supporters argue that the bill will empower employees to engage in charitable activities and support various causes, reflecting a commitment to public service and community welfare. However, potential concerns could arise from the method of selection for participating federations, which some may perceive as favoring larger organizations at the expense of smaller, emerging nonprofits.

Contention

Notable points of contention may center on the competitive process for selecting the principal combined fund-raising organization and the administrative costs associated with managing the campaign. Critics may argue that the competitive bidding process could disadvantage smaller federations that lack the resources to compete with larger organizations, potentially limiting diversity in the types of charities represented within the State Employee Campaign. Moreover, the bill's language should be closely monitored to ensure its implementation does not inadvertently create barriers for certain charitable organizations.