Connecticut House Bill HB06953

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Response To Requests For Assistance During And After Storms And Other Natural Disasters.

Impact

The bill will require the department to articulate and publicize the criteria it uses to prioritize assistance requests. This transparency is intended to ensure that residents understand how their needs will be evaluated during emergencies. Furthermore, setting explicit goals for response times can foster accountability within the department, ensuring that it meets the expectations of the public during crises.

Summary

House Bill 6953 is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection during emergencies, particularly during and after storms or other natural disasters. The bill mandates that the department must respond to requests for assistance in a timely manner, which emphasizes the urgency of support needed during critical times. By establishing a framework for timely responses, lawmakers aim to improve the overall efficiency of emergency management in the state.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline emergency responses, it may also lead to discussions about resource allocation within the department. Some legislators may voice concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the proposed response times given current staffing and resource constraints. Additionally, there could be debates over which requests should be prioritized and how those decisions might be perceived by communities that feel inadequately served during emergencies.