Connecticut House Bill HB05595

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/17
• Refer: 1/13/17

Caption

An Act Limiting Excessive Spending By State Agencies.

Impact

If passed, HB05595 would have a significant influence on the financial operations of state agencies. By instituting regular reporting requirements and spending limitations, the bill seeks to enhance accountability within the state's finance management. Proponents argue that this will lead to better budgetary discipline and a reduction in wasteful expenditures. The act signifies a shift towards stricter management of taxpayer dollars, aiming to promote transparency and responsible fiscal policy across state governmental bodies.

Summary

House Bill 05595, an Act Limiting Excessive Spending by State Agencies, aims to introduce a measure of fiscal restraint by requiring each state agency to report on their unspent budget by April 1 of each year. The proposed legislation mandates that the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management receives these reports to facilitate better oversight of state spending. Importantly, the bill limits agencies to only accessing a certain percentage of their unspent budget for the remainder of the fiscal year with the approval of the commissioner. This change is positioned as a means to counteract excessive spending by state agencies and ensure more efficient use of public funds.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB05595 may raise concerns, particularly among state agencies that could view the restrictions as overly stringent or impractical. Critics of the bill could argue that the imposed limitations on spending could hinder agencies' operations, especially in cases where unforeseen costs arise. Furthermore, there could be contention regarding the assessment process for unspent budgets and potential impacts on agency services that rely on flexible funding to address public needs. The challenge will be finding a balance between fiscal prudence and the capacity of agencies to respond to the demands placed upon them.