Connecticut Senate Bill SB00126

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/20
• Refer: 2/14/20

Caption

An Act Funding The State-wide Firearms Trafficking Task Force By Reducing Citizens' Election Program Grants.

Impact

The implementation of SB00126 is expected to alter the financial landscape for legislative candidates who rely on the Citizens' Election Program for campaign funding. By reducing the available grant amounts for these candidates, the bill may impact their ability to effectively run for office and communicate with voters. However, the proponents of the bill argue that the benefits of increased funding for the firearms trafficking task force justify this reduction, as it directly aims to address public safety issues related to gun trafficking.

Summary

SB00126 aims to fund the state-wide firearms trafficking task force by implementing a reduction in grant amounts provided to legislative candidates under the Citizens' Election Program. Specifically, the bill proposes to reduce these grants by ten percent in order to redirect the funds to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. This initiative arose from the necessity to provide adequate financial support to combat firearms trafficking, which has become an increasingly pressing issue.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB00126 include the balancing act between campaign finance and public safety. Opponents may argue that reducing funding for legislative candidates could disenfranchise specific candidates who might not have alternative resources to fund their campaigns. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding whether the task force funding will effectively address the intended issues in firearms trafficking or if the funds could be allocated more efficiently elsewhere.