Connecticut House Bill HB05676

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

An Act Appropriating Funds For Equipment To Enable The Elderly And Persons With Disabilities To Participate In Public Hearings Remotely.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05676 would represent a significant step towards improving accessibility in legislative processes for marginalized groups. By allowing remote participation, the bill not only enhances civic engagement among the elderly and disabled but also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive practices in governance. This adjustment could potentially lead to increased public input on legislation, enabling lawmakers to better understand and consider the perspectives of these communities.

Summary

House Bill 05676 aims to appropriate funds for purchasing equipment and technology that would allow elderly individuals and persons with disabilities living more than twenty miles from Hartford to participate in legislative public hearings remotely. This initiative acknowledges the barriers faced by these populations and seeks to enhance their access to the democratic process, ensuring they can engage in legislative discussions and decisions that may affect them directly.

Contention

While the bill appears largely beneficial, there may be debates regarding the allocation and appropriate use of funds, as well as the technological infrastructure necessary to support such initiatives effectively. Lawmakers might discuss the long-term sustainability of the program and whether it addresses the broader issues of accessibility in state governance, especially for other segments of the population that may also face access challenges.