Connecticut House Bill HB05038

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/19
• Refer: 1/9/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Gradual Disbursement Of Certain Grants Under The Citizens' Election Program.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05038 is expected to modify the financial landscape of election campaigning in the state. By introducing a gradual disbursement system, the bill may alleviate potential cash flow issues faced by candidates, allowing them to effectively plan and execute their campaign strategies. Furthermore, the bill is designed to uphold the integrity of the Citizens' Election Program by ensuring that funds are allocated in a systematic way, which could enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing.

Summary

House Bill 05038 seeks to amend the existing regulations concerning the disbursement of grants under the Citizens' Election Program. Specifically, it proposes a structured approach to the distribution of these funds, requiring the State Elections Enforcement Commission to issue grants in a gradual manner. Candidates approved for funding will receive one-third of the total grant amount monthly over three months, with certain exceptions based on the timing of grant approval. This change aims to ensure that candidates have access to necessary funds in a more manageable and timely fashion as they prepare for elections.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at streamlining grant disbursements, it may also spark debate concerning the timing and predictability of funding. Critics might argue that the proposed phased approach creates uncertainty for candidates who rely on immediate access to funds for urgent campaign expenses. Additionally, discussions may arise surrounding the implications of such a system on less-funded candidates, as the adjusted timeline could favor those with alternate financing sources while disadvantaging others who depend heavily on timely grant allocations.