Connecticut House Bill HJ00013

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

Caption

Resolution Amending The Joint Rules To Prohibit Certain Lobbying In The House And Senate Chambers.

Impact

The proposed changes under HJ00013 are intended to create a clearer boundary between legislative operations and lobbying efforts from executive branches, thereby fostering a more transparent legislative environment. By limiting the access of these legislative liaisons to the chambers during sessions, the bill could help mitigate instances where undue influence from lobbying activities could disrupt or skew the legislative process. Supporters of the resolution argue that these restrictions are necessary to uphold the integrity of the legislative process and to build public trust in state governance.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 13 aims to amend the existing joint rules in order to prohibit certain lobbying activities by legislative liaisons who are employed by executive branch agencies or legislative commissions. Specifically, the bill restricts these liaisons from accessing the floors of the House and Senate on any day that the respective chambers are in session, unless they are participating in a public hearing or have been invited for a specific ceremony or recognition. This legislative initiative is framed as a means to enhance transparency and limit potentially improper lobbying influences during legislative sessions.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HJ00013 is the balance between necessary oversight of lobbying activities and the potential hindrance it may impose on legislative liaisons who play important roles in facilitating communication between state agencies and lawmakers. Critics of the bill may argue that it could lead to reduced interaction and engagement necessary for effective governance. There may also be concerns about how these restrictions could interfere with the ability of legislators to receive timely information and updates from the executive branch, potentially impacting the quality of legislative decision-making.