Connecticut House Bill HB05194

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/18
• Refer: 2/22/18

Caption

An Act Concerning Approval Of Nominations To The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Connecticut And The Board Of Regents For Higher Education.

Impact

The bill will amend the existing process for filling vacancies on the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents, which previously allowed for more direct gubernatorial appointments absent legislative oversight. By instituting a requirement for legislative approval, the bill seeks to involve the legislature in the governance of higher education institutions more actively. This change has implications for state governance, impacting how educational institutions are governed and possibly altering the balance of power between the executive branch and the General Assembly.

Summary

House Bill 05194 proposes a pivotal change in the appointment process for the Board of Trustees of the University of Connecticut and the Board of Regents for Higher Education. Under this bill, any nominations made by the Governor for these positions must be submitted to either house of the General Assembly. The house will then refer the nomination to a joint standing committee specializing in higher education, which must report its decision within a specified timeframe. This process aims to enhance transparency and oversight in the appointments for these significant educational boards.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05194 include the balance of power and the extent of legislative involvement in appointing members of these boards. Supporters argue that more rigorous scrutiny of nominees will lead to better governance of the educational institutions and ensure that appointees are qualified for the roles they will fulfill. Conversely, critics may argue that this additional legislative step could slow down the appointment process, leading to vacancies that could hinder the boards' operations and decision-making capabilities.