Connecticut House Bill HB05485

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/10
• Refer: 3/9/10

Caption

An Act Concerning The Office Of The Victim Advocate.

Impact

If enacted, the bill could lead to significant changes in how the Office of the Victim Advocate operates within the state of Connecticut. By assessing whether the office should remain within the Department of Administrative Services or be placed under a different branch such as the Judicial Branch or the Office of the Attorney General, the bill aims to ensure that the Office can operate more effectively and serve victims' needs more comprehensively. This could enhance the advocacy services provided to victims of crime and improve overall judicial processes related to victim assistance.

Summary

House Bill 05485, titled 'An Act Concerning The Office Of The Victim Advocate', is designed to enhance the effectiveness of the Office of the Victim Advocate through a structured evaluation process. This bill mandates the formation of an advisory committee tasked with assessing the current performance of the Office and recommending potential improvements. The evaluations conducted by this committee will consider critical factors such as the governance structure of the office and the appropriateness of its current powers and duties.

Contention

The bill might invoke debate regarding the balance of administrative authority and the autonomy of victim advocacy. While proponents argue that reevaluating the structure of the office could lead to greater efficiency and responsiveness to victims’ needs, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of shifting the office under different branches of government or altering its established powers. Discussions around the bill may also involve considerations of how changes could affect the accountability and independence of the office, thereby affecting its capacity to advocate for victims effectively.