Connecticut House Bill HB05565

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/17
• Refer: 1/12/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Funds Appropriated To The Department Of Developmental Services.

Impact

If enacted, HB05565 would impact state financial management practices by restricting the transfer of unspent appropriated funds back to the General Fund. This change is intended to protect the integrity of funding for crucial services offered by the DDS, ensuring that financial resources remain available specifically for the intended purposes. The bill aims to enhance the reliability of funding for services aimed at assisting persons with developmental disabilities, addressing concerns over potential budget cuts or reallocation of resources that could hinder support to this vulnerable population.

Summary

House Bill 05565, titled 'An Act Concerning Funds Appropriated To The Department Of Developmental Services', aims to amend existing state statutes regarding the management of appropriated funds for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The primary focus of the bill is to ensure that any funds allocated to the DDS that remain unspent at the end of a fiscal year do not lapse and are instead carried over for future use. This is particularly significant for maintaining continuity in services provided to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Contention

While the bill seems to have a positive intention towards safeguarding services for individuals with developmental disabilities, discussions around its implementation could involve concerns regarding overall budget flexibility. Critics may argue that mandating the carryover of funds could limit the state's ability to reallocate resources in response to changing needs or emergencies in other areas. As with many budgeting issues, there may also be debate about the prioritization of funding, particularly in a constrained fiscal environment.