Connecticut Senate Bill SB00066

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/17
• Refer: 1/12/17

Caption

An Act Requiring Criminal History Records Checks Of Principals Of Prospective State Contractors.

Impact

If enacted, SB00066 would amend Section 4a-100 of the general statutes, instituting a new requirement for transparency and accountability within state contracting procedures. By implementing mandatory criminal background checks, the state hopes to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from obtaining state contracts, potentially reducing fraud and corruption in the allocation of public funds. The bill reflects a growing trend among state governments to ensure ethical practices in contractor relationships, fostering a climate of trust in how taxpayer dollars are utilized.

Summary

SB00066, titled An Act Requiring Criminal History Records Checks of Principals of Prospective State Contractors, aims to enhance the vetting process for individuals who are principals in companies that wish to contract with the state. The bill seeks to require these individuals to undergo mandatory criminal history background checks. The underlying purpose of the legislation is to ensure that state contracts are awarded to entities whose principals do not have disqualifying criminal histories, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility and integrity in public contracting processes.

Contention

While proponents of SB00066 argue that the bill will serve as a critical safeguard against misconduct, critics may raise concerns regarding the implications of such checks on the eligibility of qualified contractors. There could be debates surrounding the fairness of imposing criminal background checks, especially on individuals whose convictions may not be relevant to their capability to fulfill contract obligations. Additionally, there might be discussions on how these checks could disproportionately affect minority communities, creating barriers to entry for qualified contractors wishing to engage in state business.