Connecticut House Bill HB05318

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/17
• Refer: 1/9/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Privatizing Delivery Of Up To Fifty Per Cent Of Social Services By Nonprofits.

Impact

The impact of HB 05318 on state laws would involve a significant shift in how social services are administered. By privatizing up to half of these services, the bill would alter existing government frameworks that have traditionally managed social assistance programs. Proponents of the bill argue that it will lead to more responsive and tailored services, better suited to meet the community's needs, while also promoting fiscal efficiency within state expenditures. However, this could also bring about concerns regarding accountability and oversight of nonprofit entities, especially in ensuring that service quality remains high.

Summary

House Bill 05318 proposes to amend title 17b of the general statutes by requiring the Department of Social Services to transfer the delivery of up to fifty percent of social services currently provided by the state to nonprofit organizations. This bill is introduced with the purpose of enhancing the quality of social services while simultaneously reducing costs associated with state delivery. The initiative aims to leverage the resources and expertise of nonprofit organizations to provide these essential services more effectively.

Contention

Significant points of contention surrounding HB 05318 include concerns over the adequacy of nonprofit capacities to manage such a large portion of social services and the potential for reduced quality if profits become a priority. Critics of the bill might argue that the state's direct involvement guarantees a level of accountability and oversight that could be absent when privatizing these services. There is also debate regarding whether the aims of cost reduction will come at the expense of vulnerable populations who rely on these critical services, hence raising ethical considerations about service accessibility and quality.