Connecticut House Bill HB05539

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning The Posting Of Certain Information On Municipal Internet Web Sites.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05539 would significantly enhance the level of transparency in municipal governance. By providing standardized information on municipal websites, the bill is designed to empower residents by making essential information readily available, thereby streamlining the process for obtaining necessary permits. This move could potentially lead to increased civic engagement, as residents will have better access to the information they need to participate in local governance and regulatory processes.

Summary

House Bill 05539 mandates that all municipalities in the state must post specific information on their official websites related to permit application processes. The bill requires each municipality to provide access to permit application forms, the business hours during which individuals can apply for and view permits, as well as the addresses of municipal buildings where permits can be obtained or viewed. This initiative is aimed at improving transparency and accessibility in local government operations, ensuring that citizens have the necessary information to navigate the permit application processes more effectively.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at improving municipal practices, there might be concerns regarding the implementation costs for smaller municipalities that may not have the necessary resources to maintain such online platforms. Some argue that this could create an unfunded mandate, particularly for towns struggling with budget constraints. Opponents may raise issues about the adequacy of current technology in smaller towns to comply with such requirements and whether there should be financial assistance or exemptions available to mitigate the burden on these municipalities.