Connecticut Senate Bill SB00418

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/18
• Refer: 3/6/18

Caption

An Act Requiring A Two-thirds Vote Of The General Assembly To Create Or Enlarge Municipal Mandates.

Impact

The implications of SB00418 for state law are significant. By imposing a two-thirds majority requirement, the bill seeks to restrict the General Assembly's ability to impose additional financial or operational responsibilities on local governments without considerable consensus. Proponents of the bill argue that this will protect municipalities from being burdened with unfunded mandates that can strain their budgets and resources. Conversely, opponents might contend that such a requirement could hinder the state's ability to respond swiftly to pressing issues that affect localities, potentially leaving them without necessary legislative support in times of need.

Summary

SB00418 is a legislative act aimed at altering the process through which state mandates to local governments can be established or expanded. The bill stipulates that any legislation that seeks to create or enlarge a state mandate must receive a two-thirds vote of approval from each house of the General Assembly. This requirement is set to ensure that significant changes affecting local governments are carefully considered and broadly supported before implementation. The proposed bill would take effect on October 1, 2018, and it modifies existing statutes related to the legislative process.

Contention

The main contention surrounding SB00418 revolves around the balance of power between state and local governments. Supporters of the legislation believe that the two-thirds vote requirement serves as a necessary safeguard against the arbitrary imposition of state mandates. They suggest that local governments should have more autonomy regarding their regulations and governance without undue pressure from the state. However, critics may argue that the increased voting threshold might create gridlock in legislative processes, making it difficult to pass urgently needed laws that could benefit local communities, particularly in times of crisis or budgetary misalignment.