Connecticut House Bill HJ00006

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/17
• Refer: 1/4/17

Caption

Resolution Amending The State Constitution To Prohibit Certain Lobbying In The House And Senate Chambers.

Impact

If adopted, this resolution would represent a significant shift in how lobbying and the presence of external agents are regulated within the state legislature. By limiting the access of legislative liaisons on the legislative floors, the bill aims to increase transparency and reduce the potential for undue influence by executive branch agencies over legislative proceedings. This aligns with broader efforts to enhance accountability in governmental processes and to mitigate conflicts of interest.

Summary

HJ00006 is a proposed resolution aimed at amending the state constitution to impose stricter regulations on the presence of legislative liaisons representing executive branch agencies within the legislative chambers of the House and Senate. Specifically, the resolution seeks to prohibit these liaisons from being present on the floors of the House and Senate during sessions, except in instances where they are attending a public hearing or have been formally invited for ceremonial purposes. The resolution's intent is to align the treatment of legislative liaisons with that of traditional lobbyists, ensuring a clearer boundary between government staff and lobbying activities.

Contention

The resolution has raised discussions regarding the balance of power between the legislature and the executive branch. Proponents argue that restricting access for legislative liaisons is necessary to maintain the integrity of the legislative process and to prevent any potential manipulation or coercion from executive agencies. On the other hand, critics may contend that this measure could hinder effective communication between the legislative and executive branches, potentially impacting the flow of critical information during sessions. As such, the bill underscores ongoing debates about the role of lobbying in government and the need for regulations that support a transparent democratic process.