Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HJ00046

Introduced
1/27/21  

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Permit The Recall Of Elected Officials.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would have a far-reaching impact on state laws regarding governance and accountability. It would empower citizens to hold elected officials accountable before their terms end, particularly in situations where constituents feel that their representatives are not acting in their best interests. This amendment could lead to an increase in political engagement among the electorate, as it provides a formal mechanism for voters to remove officials from office if they fail to meet the expectations set by their constituents.

Summary

HJ00046 proposes an amendment to the state constitution that would allow for the recall of elected officials. This resolution specifically seeks to enable voters to initiate a recall process ahead of the end of an official's term. The trigger for such a recall would be a signed petition from at least twenty-five percent of the electorate that voted in the most recent gubernatorial election, thereby ensuring that a significant portion of the electorate is in favor of such a drastic measure.

Contention

Despite its potential for enhanced accountability, the bill may face opposition on various grounds. Critics might argue that allowing recalls could lead to political instability, frequent elections, and the potential for misuse of the process by political adversaries seeking to remove officials for partisan reasons rather than genuine discontent. Furthermore, the requirement of a significant percentage of voter support for a recall may still be viewed as a barrier to effective political change, and opponents may advocate for alternative mechanisms to address concerns regarding elected officials' performance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SJ00193

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Regarding Environmental Rights.

CT HJ00216

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Allow Individuals Who Have Attained The Age Of Sixteen To Apply For Admission As Electors And To Be So Admitted Upon Attaining The Age Of Eighteen.

CT SJ00004

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex Under The Equal Protection Clause.

CT HJ00171

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Revise Requirements Relating To The Offering Of Bail Or Pretrial Release To Persons Accused Of A Crime.

CT HJ00217

Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Permitting Congress To Regulate Child Labor.

CT HJ00230

Resolution Memorializing Congress To Rescind Previous Applications Of The General Assembly Calling For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States.

CT SB00258

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To The Government Administration And Elections Statutes.

CT HB05310

An Act Concerning Presidential Electors And The Certification Or Declaration Of Election Results.

CT HB05498

An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.

CT SB00260

An Act Concerning Conflicts Of Interest Due To An Employer Other Than The State Under The State Code Of Ethics For Public Officials.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.