Connecticut House Bill HJ00050

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/17
• Refer: 1/24/17

Caption

Resolution Requiring A Two-thirds Vote To Approve Mandates To Municipalities.

Impact

The passage of HJ00050 would significantly impact how mandates from the state to local governments are handled. Municipalities often struggle to implement state requirements that come without adequate financial support, leading to increased local taxes or reduced services. By requiring a two-thirds majority for such unfunded mandates, the resolution aims to protect municipalities from unexpected financial burdens and encourages more considerate regulation that takes into account local fiscal capabilities.

Summary

House Joint Resolution No. 50 (HJ00050) aims to amend the state constitution to mandate that any new state mandates requiring local governments to incur costs be approved by a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the General Assembly. The primary intent behind this resolution is to alleviate the financial burden that unfunded mandates place on municipalities, thereby supporting local property tax relief. By necessitating a supermajority for such legislative actions, the resolution seeks to provide municipalities with greater control over their financial obligations and limit the imposition of state requirements without corresponding state funding.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJ00050 involve the balance of power between state and local governments. Proponents argue that the resolution is essential for safeguarding local autonomy and ensuring that municipalities are not forced to adopt costly measures without financial backing. Critics, however, may argue that such a restriction could hinder the state's ability to enact necessary legislation that benefits broader public interests. A two-thirds requirement could slow down the legislative process and result in delays for urgent state mandates that require immediate implementation during a pressing situation.