Connecticut House Bill HB05400

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/17
• Refer: 1/11/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The State Budget And Legislation Implementing The State Budget.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05400 is expected to strengthen legislative oversight over the state budget, thereby ensuring that the budgetary process is more open and inclusive. By requiring public hearings and prior approval from the relevant committees, legislators aim to foster a greater sense of accountability to the citizens they represent. This could potentially lead to a more informed public regarding the state's financial decisions and priorities, and also ensure a broader range of stakeholder perspectives are considered during critical financial discussions.

Summary

House Bill 05400 is an act concerning the state budget and legislation that implements the state budget in Connecticut. The bill seeks to amend the general statutes to mandate that joint standing committees of the General Assembly, particularly those overseeing appropriations and the budget of state agencies, conduct public hearings and vote on the proposed state budget as well as any implementing legislation prior to these being enacted by the General Assembly. This measure aims to enhance transparency and allow public input into the budgeting process before final decisions are made by lawmakers.

Contention

While many legislators support HB 05400 for its potential to improve fiscal transparency and public engagement, there are concerns about the implications for the efficiency of the legislative process. Opponents may argue that the additional requirements could lead to delays in budget approval and complicate the implementation of necessary financial measures. The tension between the need for detailed scrutiny and the necessity of timely decision-making in government budgeting processes represents a key point of discussion concerning this bill.