Connecticut Senate Bill SB00834

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

An Act Redefining "state Contract" For Purposes Of The Campaign Finance Laws.

Impact

If enacted, SB00834 would significantly alter how campaign finance laws apply to certain transactions involving state agencies. Specifically, the exclusion of licensing fees could streamline the regulatory process for businesses by removing additional reporting requirements tied to these payments under campaign finance laws. This would ideally reduce the administrative burden on businesses that frequently interact with state agencies for licensing purposes, encouraging a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and local commerce.

Summary

SB00834 is a legislative proposal aimed at redefining the term 'state contract' within the framework of campaign finance laws. The main objective of the bill is to amend subsection (f) of section 9-612 of the general statutes to stipulate that any fee paid to a state agency for obtaining a business license is to be excluded from the definition of a state contract. This change intends to clarify that licensing fees should not be considered a part of state contracts for the purposes of campaign finance disclosures.

Contention

However, the bill could also provoke discussions surrounding transparency and financial accountability in state contracts. Opponents may argue that excluding licensing fees from the definition of a state contract could mask significant financial interactions between businesses and the state, potentially undermining the intent of campaign finance regulations meant to prevent corruption. As such, debates around the bill will likely focus on the balance between easing the regulatory load on businesses and ensuring the integrity of campaign finance processes.