Connecticut Senate Bill SB01031

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/17
• Refer: 3/14/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Thresholds For State Construction Contracts, The Sharing Of Executive Branch Agency Data And The Repeal Of A Provision Concerning Appraisal Fees.

Impact

The impact of SB01031 on state laws is significant. By raising the threshold for construction contracts subject to Department of Administrative Services approval, the bill is expected to facilitate quicker decision-making and execution on state-funded construction projects. This alteration is expected to alleviate some regulatory burdens and make it easier for agencies to undertake necessary improvements to state facilities while maintaining adherence to budgetary constraints.

Summary

SB01031 is legislation aimed at modifying specific thresholds related to state construction contracts, enhancing data sharing within executive branch agencies, and repealing a certain provision concerning appraisal fees. The most notable change proposed is the increase in the monetary threshold for approval from the Department of Administrative Services for state construction contracts from $500,000 to $2 million. This adjustment aims to streamline the approval process and reduce bureaucratic delays in construction projects, thereby enabling more efficient use of state resources.

Contention

While the bill proposes beneficial changes pertaining to efficiency, it has faced some contention. Critics may point out concerns that increasing the threshold for state contracts might lead to reduced oversight and potential increases in non-compliance with state building and safety standards. Furthermore, the repeal of the requirement for an appraisal fee schedule might be perceived by some as diminishing accountability and oversight in property valuations related to state-managed assets. Overall, the debate around SB01031 reflects a balancing act between fostering efficiency and ensuring regulations protect public interests.