Connecticut Senate Bill SB00724

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Requiring An Analysis Of The Constitutionality Of Proposed Legislation.

Impact

If enacted, SB00724 would amend section 2-56 of the general statutes and effectively institutionalize the practice of constitutional checks on proposed bills. This means that before any raised or committee bill can progress through the legislative process, it must undergo a formal analysis assessing whether it aligns with or violates constitutional provisions. Supporters of the bill argue that it will lead to more responsible legislation and reduce the risk of enacting laws that may face legal challenges down the line.

Summary

Bill SB00724, introduced during the January Session of 2023, mandates the requirement for an analysis of the constitutionality of all proposed legislation. The main objective of SB00724 is to ensure that legislative commissioners conduct thorough reviews of both raised and committee bills to provide lawmakers with insights regarding the constitutional implications of their proposals. This endeavor aims to promote a more informed legislative process and to uphold constitutional integrity in the state’s laws.

Contention

The notable point of contention surrounding SB00724 may arise from concerns regarding the resources and time involved in conducting these constitutional analyses. Some legislators could argue that this requirement may delay the legislative process, hindering timely responses to pressing issues facing the state. Additionally, the potential for varying interpretations of constitutional law could introduce inconsistencies in the analyses performed, leading to debates over the findings and interpretations presented by the legislative commissioners.