Connecticut Senate Bill SB00296

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Increasing The Threshold Necessary For Passage Of Unfunded Mandates.

Impact

The bill is intended to protect municipalities from being compelled to implement state mandates without the corresponding financial support they require. By raising the voting requirement to a two-thirds majority, the bill ensures that any new unfunded mandate would necessitate broader consensus among legislators, thus potentially reducing the likelihood of such mandates being passed. This could lead to a more balanced approach in legislative decision-making, where the financial implications of unfunded mandates are carefully considered.

Summary

SB00296 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending chapter 16 of the general statutes to increase the threshold necessary for passing unfunded mandates at the state level. Specifically, the bill stipulates that a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers of the General Assembly is required to enact any new or expanded unfunded mandates on municipalities. This change seeks to ensure greater scrutiny and restrict the imposition of financial liabilities on local governments that lack accompanying state funding.

Contention

While supporters of SB00296 argue that the bill is essential for protecting local governments and ensuring fiscal responsibility, opponents may view it as an unnecessary complication that could hinder the ability of the state to address urgent issues effectively. Some critics contend that raising the voting threshold could block important legislation that may be vital for municipal governance, especially in times of crisis. Thus, the bill presents a potential conflict between the need for local autonomy in fiscal matters and the imperative for the state to enact broad legislation.