Connecticut House Bill HB06468

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Ballot Access And Financial Disclosure.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06468 would amend Title 9 of the general statutes, directly affecting the eligibility of federal candidates to appear on the ballot. The requirement for timely financial disclosures is positioned as a preventive measure against potential corruption and conflicts of interest, giving voters access to essential information regarding candidates' financial backgrounds. This change could lead to a decrease in the number of candidates who qualify for the ballot, but proponents argue that it will enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 06468 is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at reforming the ballot access process for federal candidates in Connecticut. The bill stipulates that a candidate's name will not appear on the ballot unless they have filed their financial disclosure statements with the Secretary of the State by a specific deadline, coinciding with the date of any primary elections for such federal office. The intent behind this legislation is to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the election process, thereby promoting informed voter decision-making.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 06468 may arise from debates about the implications for smaller or grassroots candidates who might struggle to meet the financial disclosure requirements. Critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently create barriers to entry in the electoral process, thus favoring wealthier candidates who have the means to comply with these regulatory mandates. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the adequacy of the financial disclosure requirements themselves and the potential burden they place on candidates, which could affect the diversity of choices available to voters.