Resolution Concerning The Joint Rules Of The December Special Session, 2019.
Impact
One significant impact of SJ00061 is its role in streamlining the legislative process during the special session. By limiting the types of legislation that can be introduced to those expressly mentioned in the resolution, the General Assembly ensures that discussions remain focused and efficient. Furthermore, the resolution includes provisions for the preparation of fiscal notes, which inform members about the potential financial implications of proposed bills, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility within the legislative framework.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution No. 61 (SJ00061) addresses the procedural rules governing the December 2019 Special Session of the Connecticut General Assembly. Its primary purpose is to establish that the joint rules from the 2019 regular session remain in effect, with specific modifications to facilitate the legislative process during the special session. The resolution stipulates that only bills and substantive resolutions outlined in the governor's invocation for the Special Session can be considered, focusing mostly on the implementation of a settlement agreement involving the Connecticut Hospital Association and the state government.
Contention
While the resolution is largely procedural, it does raise points of contention regarding legislative transparency and the extent to which special sessions should adhere to the established rules from regular sessions. Critics may argue that restricting the types of bills that can be introduced under such specific circumstances limits legislative flexibility and responsiveness to emergent issues. Consequently, some members may feel that this could stifle debate on important topics that may not be captured within the defined scope of the resolution.