Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00023

Introduced
2/9/12  
Introduced
2/9/12  
Refer
2/9/12  
Refer
2/9/12  
Report Pass
3/28/12  
Report Pass
3/28/12  
Refer
4/5/12  
Report Pass
4/12/12  
Report Pass
4/12/12  
Engrossed
5/5/12  
Engrossed
5/5/12  
Report Pass
5/6/12  
Report Pass
5/6/12  
Chaptered
5/29/12  
Chaptered
5/29/12  
Enrolled
5/31/12  
Enrolled
5/31/12  
Passed
6/15/12  

Caption

An Act Enhancing Emergency Preparedness And Response.

Impact

The bill significantly alters state laws governing utility responsibilities in times of emergency. It establishes explicit standards for how public utilities must perform during such events, particularly in maintaining service reliability and minimizing outages. Additionally, it requires these entities to develop detailed plans for restoring services disrupted by various types of emergencies, thus placing a greater accountability on utility companies to ensure they can support public health and safety effectively during critical times.

Summary

SB00023, also known as An Act Enhancing Emergency Preparedness And Response, focuses on strengthening the state's emergency management framework by ensuring better coordination among civil preparedness efforts at all levels of government. This bill mandates the preparation of a comprehensive civil preparedness plan that integrates state and local agency actions with those of federal and other state governments. It emphasizes the role of the commissioner in overseeing these preparedness programs while allowing for continuous updates to improve responsiveness during emergencies.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding SB00023 appears to be favorable, as legislators recognize the importance of enhancing emergency preparedness and utility response standards. Supporters of the bill commend its proactive measures to safeguard public safety during emergencies, while organizations responsible for infrastructure view it as a necessary update to align with contemporary challenges in disaster response. However, criticisms may linger concerning the feasibility of implementing mandated plans and whether they adequately address local conditions.

Contention

One of the main points of contention revolves around the balance of power between state mandates and local jurisdiction. Some legislators may express concerns about the increased regulation on utilities, fearing that stringent standards might impose additional costs or complicate operational flexibility. The bill also raises questions regarding the effectiveness of the prescribed measures, particularly in the context of varied local emergencies and the need for tailored community responses, which could be overshadowed by a standardized approach.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05226

An Act Establishing An Extended Producer Responsibility Program For Consumer Batteries.

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT HB05004

An Act Concerning The Implementation Of Certain Climate Change Measures.

CT HB05399

An Act Concerning The Criminal Justice Response To Victims Of Sexual Assault.

CT HB05005

An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days In The State.

CT HB05055

An Act Strengthening Police Data Reporting Requirements.

CT HB05232

An Act Concerning Solar Projects Throughout The State.

CT HB05483

An Act Establishing And Transferring Various Functions To A Division Of Fire Services Administration Within The Department Of Emergency Services And Public Protection, Revising The Powers And Composition Of The Commission On Fire Prevention And Control And Establishing A Working Group.

CT SB00385

An Act Concerning Energy Procurements, Certain Energy Sources And Programs Of The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

CT HB05507

An Act Concerning Certain Proceedings Relating To Electric Transmission Lines And The Membership And Processes Of The Connecticut Siting Council.

Similar Bills

HI SB589

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HI HB790

Relating To Renewable Energy.

NJ S787

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CT HB05408

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NJ A1486

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CT HB07006

An Act Concerning Emergency Response By Electric Distribution Companies, The Regulation Of Other Public Utilities And Nexus Provisions For Certain Disaster-related Or Emergency-related Work Performed In The State.

NJ S3224

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NJ A4794

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