Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06068

Introduced
1/24/19  
Introduced
1/24/19  
Refer
1/24/19  

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Grants Under The Citizens' Election Program To Candidates Without Any Opponent.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will amend Chapter 157 of the general statutes by requiring candidates who face no opponents to forgo funding that would have been available through the Citizens' Election Program. This change is expected to impact the current electoral landscape, potentially influencing candidates' decisions to run and how they utilize available resources. The bill also outlines that any such funded grants that would have been disbursed will instead be credited to the General Fund, thereby recontextualizing public resources.

Summary

House Bill 6068 prohibits candidates for nomination or election who do not have any opponents from receiving grants under the Citizens' Election Program. This legislative move aims to discourage unopposed candidacies, potentially leading to a more competitive electoral environment. By preventing unopposed candidates from accessing public funds, the bill seeks to ensure that election funding is allocated in a manner that supports genuine competition among candidates in electoral races.

Conclusion

Ultimately, House Bill 6068 is a significant legislative effort that could reshape campaign financing rules and impact candidate behaviors in future elections. Its advancement and implementation will likely be closely monitored as it may set precedents for how electoral competitiveness is fostered through funding policies moving forward.

Contention

Notably, the proposal could stimulate debate regarding fairness in the electoral process. Proponents might argue that the bill encourages competition, thereby enhancing democratic engagement. On the other hand, critics may contend that it could disincentivize individuals from running for election if they perceive their chances as unlikely, even in districts historically dominated by a particular party. There are concerns about the implications this might have on voter representation and ensuring diverse choices on ballots.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00263

An Act Concerning Citizens' Election Program Grants For Court-ordered Primaries And Elections And Funding.

CT HB05125

An Act Concerning Citizens' Election Program Grants And Early Voting.

CT HB05124

An Act Increasing Citizens' Election Program Grants In Light Of The Implementation Of Early Voting.

CT SB00017

An Act Funding The State-wide Firearms Trafficking Task Force By Reducing Citizens' Election Program Grants.

CT SB00392

An Act Concerning Treasurers Of Candidate Committees And State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints.

CT SB00258

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To The Government Administration And Elections Statutes.

CT HB05498

An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.

CT HB05450

An Act Concerning Artificial Intelligence, Deceptive Synthetic Media And Elections.

CT HB05310

An Act Concerning Presidential Electors And The Certification Or Declaration Of Election Results.

CT HB05412

An Act Concerning Identification And Citizenship Status Information Requested In Obtaining A Marriage License.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.