Connecticut House Bill HJ00014

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

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

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Provide For Direct Initiatives.

Impact

The proposed amendment represents a significant shift in the legislative process in Connecticut. By granting the populace the ability to initiate legislation directly, HJ00014 could change the dynamics of citizen engagement with government. It may lead to a more dynamic interaction between voters and legislators, ensuring that lawmakers remain accountable to the desires of the constituents they serve. However, there are concerns that this could lead to an increase in legislation driven by well-funded special interest groups rather than the general public interest.

Summary

House Joint Resolution No. 14 (HJ00014) proposes an amendment to the Connecticut State Constitution to grant electors the power of direct initiative. This allows citizens to propose and enact laws directly, bypassing the legislative assembly. Supporters of the bill argue that it empowers the electorate and enhances democratic participation by giving citizens a more active role in the law-making process. By enabling direct initiatives, the bill aims to make the legislative process more responsive to the needs and concerns of constituents.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJ00014 centers on the potential implications of allowing direct initiatives. Proponents assert it will foster greater accountability and responsiveness in government, while critics worry it could lead to poorly conceived laws stemming from populist sentiment, which might not undergo the thorough vetting that legislative proposals typically receive. Additionally, there are fears that without adequate safeguards, the process could be exploited by interest groups with significant resources to promote their agendas, overshadowing the voices of everyday voters.