Connecticut Senate Bill SB00314

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/14
• Refer: 2/27/14
• Report Pass: 3/17/14
• Refer: 3/25/14
• Report Pass: 4/1/14
• Refer: 4/9/14
• Report Pass: 4/15/14
• Report Pass: 4/16/14
• Engrossed: 4/23/14
• Report Pass: 4/25/14
• Chaptered: 5/8/14
• Enrolled: 5/14/14
• Passed: 5/28/14

Caption

An Act Concerning The Heritage Parks Advisory Boards.

Impact

If enacted, SB 314 would significantly revise the existing laws governing the designation and management of heritage parks. The bill removes requirements for municipal consent and the establishment of an advisory board, simplifying the process through which parks can be designated. This change is expected to enhance the state's ability to promote tourism and preserve cultural heritage, as parks could be established more swiftly to highlight areas of local importance. Moreover, it also opens the opportunity for broader participation by allowing public input during hearings prior to the designation of heritage parks.

Summary

Senate Bill 314, known as the Act Concerning The Heritage Parks Advisory Boards, primarily addresses the creation and management of heritage parks within the state. This legislation facilitates the development of criteria and guidelines for designating heritage parks, which are intended to showcase regions linked by social, historical, or economic themes. It empowers the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in collaboration with other relevant commissioners, to make decisions regarding the boundaries, names, and themes of these parks based on outlined significance and potential economic benefits to the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 314 appears to be supportive, particularly among proponents of local tourism and economic development. Supporters argue that heritage parks can drive economic growth through increased tourism while preserving the state's cultural and historical legacies. However, there are concerns that streamlining the designation process may undermine local control and community input, particularly as the requirement for municipal approval is being lifted, which could lead to tensions between state authority and local governance.

Contention

The notable points of contention include the potential loss of local oversight in the designation of heritage parks, with critics expressing apprehension about reduced opportunities for community engagement in the decision-making process. Furthermore, the bill's shift away from requiring consent from site owners to include their properties in heritage parks might raise concerns over property rights and stakeholder interests, as property owners may feel that they have less say in how their lands are utilized.