Connecticut House Bill HB05659

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Requests Under The Freedom Of Information Act And The Publication Of Certain Communications.

Impact

Beyond increasing availability, the legislation mandates a fixed timeframe – specifically forty-eight hours – for the completion of FOIA requests. This change seeks to address the currently insufficient response times that often frustrate public inquiries and potentially infringe on the public's right to access government information. Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a central repository for all completed FOIA requests, allowing citizens to view and understand the records systematically, contributing to enhanced government transparency overall.

Summary

House Bill 05659, titled 'An Act Concerning Requests Under The Freedom Of Information Act And The Publication Of Certain Communications', aims to enhance transparency in government communications by modifying provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill proposes that members of the General Assembly and the Governor's administrative staff must post all non-exempt communications made or received during the prior week on a centralized website every Friday afternoon. This initiative is intended to make government communications more accessible to the public, thus fostering greater accountability.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB 05659 represents a significant step toward a more open government, emphasizing the importance of public access to governmental communications. As discussions progress, examination of the potential administrative impacts and public reception will be crucial for the bill's success.

Contention

While the bill's intent to bolster transparency is generally appreciated, some lawmakers may express concerns regarding the resource implications of requiring such extensive public communication posting. Questions about the feasibility of staffing and maintaining the website, as well as the logistical challenges of complying with the strict posting and response timelines, may arise during discussions. Moreover, the bill reflects a broader tension in the balance of governmental transparency and administrative burden, with some advocating for more measured approaches to information dissemination and others pushing for robust public accessibility.