Connecticut House Bill HB05437

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/19
• Refer: 1/16/19

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of HB 5437 would significantly influence the legislative landscape regarding how state mandates can be applied to local governments. By requiring a two-thirds majority, the bill potentially decreases the frequency with which state-level mandates can be imposed, thus allowing municipalities to operate with greater flexibility and independence. The implication of such an amendment could lead to more tailored local governance that better reflects the specific needs and desires of community members, ultimately affecting how local resources are allocated and managed.

Summary

House Bill 5437 is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend current state law by requiring a two-thirds vote of each chamber of the General Assembly to create or enlarge mandates imposed on local governments. This change is intended to provide local authorities with more control and limit the state from imposing additional requirements without substantial legislative consensus. The bill, introduced by Representative Ferraro, directly addresses the relationship between state and local governance by mandating higher thresholds for enacting certain mandates, thus aiming to enhance local autonomy in decision-making processes.

Contention

However, the bill is likely to face contention among legislators, especially regarding the balance of power between state and local authorities. Proponents of the bill argue that it safeguards local governance from potentially overreaching state policies, while opponents might view it as an unnecessary complication that could hinder essential legislation aimed at addressing statewide issues. Additionally, there are concerns that such a requirement may create legislative gridlock, preventing prompt responses to urgent matters that require municipal intervention.

Notable_points

Notably, the bill emphasizes the need for a significant legislative agreement before any increase in state-mandated responsibilities can occur, highlighting an ongoing discussion around decentralization and the respect for local governance. The two-thirds requirement implies that not only does there need to be bipartisan support, but also a strong consensus among legislators to act on such mandates, possibly leading to higher accountability in legislative decisions affecting local entities.