Connecticut House Bill HB05842

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Unfunded Mandates On Municipalities.

Impact

If passed, HB 5842 would significantly alter the process by which the state can impose mandates on municipalities. The two-thirds majority requirement would make it more difficult for the legislature to pass laws that create financial obligations for local governments without allocating the necessary funds to cover those costs. This shift aims to protect municipalities from unexpected financial strains and allows them to manage their budgets more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 5842, introduced by Rep. Fusco, aims to amend state laws regarding the imposition of unfunded mandates on municipalities. The primary objective of this bill is to require a two-thirds vote from both chambers of the General Assembly before any legislation that would impose an unfunded mandate on local governments can be enacted. This legislative change is intended to provide relief to municipalities that often struggle with financial burdens imposed by state mandates without corresponding funding.

Contention

The bill has the potential to ignite debates among legislators regarding state authority versus local control. Supporters of HB 5842 argue that it is crucial for municipalities to have a say in their financial responsibilities and to ensure that any mandates are fully funded. Critics, however, may express concern that imposing such a voting requirement could hinder necessary legislation aimed at addressing urgent public needs and services that municipalities are tasked with providing.