Connecticut House Bill HB05054

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/19
• Refer: 1/9/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Auditing Of Certain Municipal Entities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05054 would amend existing general statutes, imposing independent auditing as a mandatory practice for specified municipal entities. This requirement could lead to increased oversight of how tax revenues are utilized and help ensure that funds are appropriately managed. The regular audits could also serve as a deterrent against financial improprieties and instill confidence among citizens in the financial operations of their local governments.

Summary

House Bill 05054 proposes a requirement for certain municipal entities comprising two or more municipal members to undergo independent audits every two years. The bill is geared toward enhancing financial transparency and accountability within these entities, which derive funding in whole or in part from tax revenue. This measure aims to ensure that the fiscal activities of these organizations are scrutinized regularly to prevent mismanagement and misuse of public funds.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that such audits will bolster fiscal responsibility and transparency, there may be concerns from municipal entities about the burden of compliance and associated costs. Entities may argue that the requirement for biannual audits could strain their financial resources, particularly smaller municipalities with limited budgets. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the scope of what the audits would entail and how they would be conducted, as municipalities might seek flexibility in the auditing process.