Connecticut Senate Bill SB00288

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/14
• Refer: 2/26/14
• Report Pass: 3/18/14
• Refer: 3/26/14
• Report Pass: 4/1/14
• Refer: 4/9/14
• Report Pass: 4/15/14
• Report Pass: 4/16/14

Caption

An Act Concerning Notice Of Costs Associated With Resident State Troopers.

Impact

The passage of SB00288 would impact state law by formally structuring the funding and operational decisions for police officers assigned to towns without local police forces. Specifically, towns will be required to pay sixty percent of the expenses for these officers, gradually increasing to seventy percent over time, alongside taking full responsibility for overtime costs. This legislative framework aims to relieve some financial burden from the state while ensuring public safety needs are addressed, thereby creating a more sustainable model for localized policing in areas without a robust police infrastructure.

Summary

Bill SB00288, titled 'An Act Concerning Notice of Costs Associated with Resident State Troopers', aims to establish clear guidelines regarding the financial responsibilities of towns that require the services of resident state troopers. Under this legislation, towns lacking organized police forces can appoint officers from the regular state police contingent for their policing needs, but with specific cost-sharing stipulations. Notably, the bill stipulates that towns must pay a significant portion of the associated costs related to the resident troopers, which can include compensation and operational expenses.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB00288 appears to be cautiously supportive among some lawmakers, as it indicates an effort to address public safety in underserved areas. However, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for towns that may not budget adequately for these costs. Some legislators and community members worry that the fiscal responsibility imposed on local governments could lead to inequalities in public safety services across different regions, particularly in less affluent areas unable to absorb such expenditures without compromising other essential services.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential burden on towns, particularly smaller municipalities, regarding the costs of resident state troopers. Critics argue that mandating local governments to cover these expenses could divert funds from critical community services such as education and infrastructure. Furthermore, there is a debate about the quality and adequacy of policing that semi-dependent setups can offer, given the significant costs and responsibilities assigned to local entities potentially hindered by resource constraints.