Connecticut House Bill HB06479

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/17
• Refer: 1/23/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Municipal Charter Revision.

Impact

The proposed legislation would alter section 7-190 of the general statutes to facilitate a structured review process. With this requirement, municipalities would be encouraged to assess and address potential amendments that could improve governance and operational efficiency. Furthermore, the bill allows municipalities to execute minor and technical revisions to their charters without undergoing the full legislative process typically mandated by existing statutes, provided that these changes are approved by a two-thirds majority of the municipal legislative body.

Summary

House Bill 06479, referred to as An Act Concerning Municipal Charter Revision, seeks to mandate periodic review of municipal charters and home rule ordinances. Specifically, the bill requires that appointed municipal authorities undertake a comprehensive review of their charters at least once every decade. This initiative aims to ensure that local governance structures remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Contention

Although HB 06479 presents a positive framework for improving local governance, it may face challenges around the definition and scope of what constitutes 'minor and technical' changes. Opponents of the bill may raise concerns over the potential for abuse of this provision, where significant revisions might be disguised as minor adjustments, circumventing the traditional checks and balances inherent in municipal governance processes. The balance between efficiency and accountability will likely be a central point of discussion among legislators and community stakeholders.