Connecticut House Bill HB06201

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/21
• Refer: 1/29/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Interim Appointment Of Department Heads.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would shift the current process by providing the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee with the authority to hold hearings and vote on such interim appointments. This change aligns the power of interim appointment approvals for department heads with that of judges, who are already subject to a similar review process by the Judiciary Committee. Consequently, this could lead to an increased level of scrutiny regarding appointments within the executive branch, fostering more accountability and transparency in the selection process.

Summary

House Bill 6201, titled 'An Act Concerning Interim Appointment of Department Heads,' proposes significant changes to the nomination process for interim appointments of department heads by the Governor of Connecticut. The bill aims to require that all nominations for interim appointments be submitted to the Committee on Executive Nominations. This change seeks to enhance legislative oversight and ensure that the appointed officials are subject to review during their interim tenure.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve oversight, it may also attract debate concerning the efficiency of the appointment process. Opponents might argue that extending the review process could lead to delays in filling critical positions within state departments, which could disrupt the functions of those agencies. Proponents counter that the benefits of oversight and the potential for reducing partisan appointments outweigh the concerns about procedural delays. Overall, this bill aims to create a more balanced governance structure by ensuring that interim appointments are carefully vetted.