Connecticut Senate Bill SB00946

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/19
• Refer: 2/27/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Deadlines Applicable To Hearing Decisions By The Department Of Social Services.

Impact

The legislation clarifies the necessary procedures for appeals when deadlines are not met by the DSS. Specifically, it introduces a system where aggrieved individuals can seek legal remedies if final decisions are not rendered within the stipulated time, such as filing for a writ of mandamus in court. This potentially increases the accessibility of the appeals process for individuals who feel their cases are not being handled promptly, thereby intending to provide a mechanism for accountability within the DSS to adhere to timelines.

Summary

SB00946, titled 'An Act Concerning Deadlines Applicable To Hearing Decisions By The Department Of Social Services', aims to revise the timeframes associated with the decision-making process for administrative appeals governed by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The bill proposes extending the deadline for the DSS to finalize decisions to ninety days following the hearing request, addressing urgent cases like emergency housing where decisions must be rendered within three business days. This adjustment seeks to enhance the efficiency of the DSS in managing cases and ensuring timely resolutions for appeal requests.

Contention

There could be points of contention surrounding the implementation of SB00946. While it aims to streamline the appeal process, stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the new deadlines and whether they sufficiently cater to the challenges faced by individuals applying for appeals. Furthermore, there may be concerns on how the bill addresses situations classified as 'good cause' for extension requests, which, if not clearly defined or interpreted, could lead to inconsistencies in application and potential legal challenges. Balancing the need for timely decisions against the necessity for thorough investigations in complex cases remains a crucial consideration.