Connecticut Senate Bill SB00211

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Complaints To The State Elections Enforcement Commission.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will directly influence state laws related to election oversight and the handling of complaints by the State Elections Enforcement Commission. The one-year requirement for concluding an investigation could lead to faster resolution of disputes and potentially increase public trust in the electoral process. Additionally, it may reduce the backlog of unresolved complaints, thereby making the commission's work more transparent and effective.

Summary

SB00211 is an act aimed at improving the efficiency of the State Elections Enforcement Commission by setting a strict timeline for the handling of complaints. The bill mandates that the commission must conclude any investigations or hearings based on written complaints within one year from the determination of probable cause. If the commission fails to do so, it is required to dismiss the complaint. This requirement seeks to streamline the process and enhance accountability within the commission's operations, ensuring that complaints are dealt with promptly and efficiently.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly relating to the pressure it places on the commission to resolve cases promptly. Critics could argue that a fixed timeline may not account for the complexities involved in serious allegations, leading to rushed investigations that could result in unfair dismissals of complaints. Proponents, however, would contend that such a timeline is necessary to ensure responsiveness and reduce uncertainty surrounding complaint resolution in the electoral process.