Connecticut House Bill HB05279

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/20
• Refer: 2/21/20

Caption

An Act Redefining Public Official Under The State Codes Of Ethics.

Impact

The legislation will modify current statutes, specifically section 1-79 and section 1-91 of the general statutes. By redefining 'public official,' HB 05279 is anticipated to increase the ethical standards required of a broader range of individuals involved in public service. This may lead to stricter compliance with ethical guidelines and oversight concerning lobbying, conflicts of interest, and public trust. As these individuals will now fall under the same ethical scrutiny, the bill aims to foster a more responsible approach to governance.

Summary

House Bill 05279 is an act aimed at redefining the term 'public official' within the context of the state codes of ethics. The bill seeks to amend existing definitions to expand the scope of who qualifies as a public official. This includes individuals appointed by any state-wide elected officer and notably excludes certain individuals such as judges and advisory board members. This change is intended to enhance accountability and transparency in the public sector by clearly outlining the parameters for public officials under ethics regulations.

Contention

While proponents of HB 05279 argue that expanding the definition of public officials will strengthen government ethics and accountability, opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications for individuals who were previously not classified under this designation. There may be debates about the potential overreach in monitoring appointed positions that operate in a less visible capacity. Ensuring that public officials are held to rigorous standards is essential, but there are discussions around the balance between oversight and operational freedom for civil servants.