Connecticut House Bill HJ00003

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23

Caption

Resolution Proposing A Constitutional Amendment Establishing The Power To Recall Elected Officials.

Impact

Should HJ00003 pass, the proposed amendment would fundamentally alter the landscape of electoral accountability in the state. It empowers citizens to initiate recalls, which could serve as a check on elected officials, ensuring they remain responsive to their constituents. The enactment of this bill could lead to a higher level of engagement from voters, who may feel more empowered to influence the political process and demand accountability from their representatives.

Summary

HJ00003 is a proposed House Joint Resolution that seeks to amend the state Constitution to establish the procedure for recalling elected public officials. This bill allows electors the power to petition for a special election aimed at determining whether a specific official should be removed from office. The introduction of this amendment aims to enhance democracy by providing a mechanism by which voters can address grievances concerning elected officials.

Contention

Concerns surrounding HJ00003 primarily focus on the potential for political misuse of the recall process. Critics argue that enabling the recall of elected officials could lead to instability and partisan abuses where elected officials are targeted for non-policy-related reasons or shifts in political sentiment. Advocates for the amendment argue that the ability to recall officials is a necessary tool for democracy, allowing voters to remove officials who fail to meet their expectations or who engage in misconduct.