Connecticut House Bill HB05453

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/20
• Refer: 3/4/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program And Fund.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will have significant implications for ongoing support to those affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting. It allows affected individuals, such as emergency service personnel, educators, and other community members who experienced mental or emotional impairments during the crisis, to receive financial assistance for their recovery and coping needs. The funding mechanisms will ensure there are resources available to assist individuals coping with the aftermath of the tragedy, thereby reinforcing the support systems in place for such communities.

Summary

House Bill 05453 aims to amend the Sandy Hook Workers Assistance Program and Fund. This bill eliminates the time restrictions on requests for assistance from affected individuals, allowing them to apply for support irrespective of when the incident occurred. The legislation also facilitates the recovery of funds from charitable trusts that had previously been involved with the victims’ assistance and mandates additional reporting to the General Assembly regarding the operation and financial status of the program.

Contention

While the bill has broad support for its intentions, there may be concern regarding its impacts on funding and administrative burdens. Some legislators might argue that extending the time frames for claims could lead to challenges in managing the fund's resources effectively. Additionally, stipulations regarding fund management and the requirement for extensive reporting may lead to disputes on how the resources are allocated and monitored.