Connecticut House Bill HB05311

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23

Caption

An Act Modifying The Process For Declaring Public Health And Civil Preparedness Emergencies.

Impact

The implications of HB 05311 would significantly alter the balance of power during public health emergencies. By introducing a requirement for legislative approval on extended emergency declarations, the bill potentially curtails the ability of the executive branch to act swiftly in response to urgent crises. Supporters may argue that this modification preserves democratic principles by involving elected representatives in decisions that impact public health and safety. However, it also poses risks of delay in necessary actions that could jeopardize public welfare during critical situations.

Summary

House Bill 05311 seeks to modify the process surrounding the declarations of public health and civil preparedness emergencies in the state. The bill mandates that for any emergency declaration lasting 180 days or longer, legislative approval must be secured for renewal. Furthermore, it allows the legislature to disapprove executive orders issued after the initial 180 days of declaration and grants the legislature the power to disapprove civil preparedness emergencies regardless of their cause. Through these changes, the bill aims to ensure a more robust legislative oversight mechanism over executive powers during emergencies.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 05311 likely reflects broader concerns about executive authority and accountability during emergencies. Critics are concerned that the bill may inhibit timely responses to public health emergencies by imposing additional layers of governmental approval. Those in favor of the bill deem it essential to maintain checks on state power, particularly in the wake of extended executive actions taken during recent crises. As a result, the bill may stoke discussions on the balance between governmental efficiency in emergencies and the necessity of legislative oversight.