Connecticut House Bill HB05513

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/19
• Refer: 1/17/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Telephone Wait Times For Persons Contacting The Department Of Social Services.

Impact

The passage of HB 5513 would result in a significant modification to how the Department of Social Services handles incoming calls. It is intended to streamline communication between state officials and constituents who require assistance, thereby enhancing the efficiency of service delivery. This improvement is particularly critical for vulnerable populations who may rely heavily on immediate access to social services.

Summary

House Bill 5513 aims to address the lengthy wait times faced by individuals, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities, when attempting to contact the Department of Social Services by telephone. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Social Services take immediate and effective measures to improve these wait times. By focusing on accessibility, the bill seeks to remove existing barriers that hinder timely access to state assistance programs.

Contention

While there may not be explicit contentious points publicly documented for HB 5513, discussions around similar bills often revolve around the practicality of implementing such mandates. Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding funding and resource allocation within the Department of Social Services to ensure compliance with the bill's requirements.

Additional_info

If enacted, HB 5513 will likely necessitate that the Department of Social Services review its existing protocols and infrastructure related to call handling, possibly requiring the introduction of new technologies or increased staffing to meet the improved standards set by the bill.