Connecticut Senate Bill SB00226

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Establishing Bipartisan Senate And House Committees On Ethics.

Impact

If enacted, SB00226 would amend existing statutes to embed these committees into the legislative framework, granting them the authority to conduct investigations into members' conduct. This move is posited to restore public confidence in the state's legislative process by ensuring that misconduct does not go unaddressed. The focus on nonpartisan investigation highlights a significant shift towards a cooperative approach in managing ethical standards among legislators.

Summary

SB00226 proposes the establishment of Bipartisan Senate and House Committees on Ethics. The purpose of this legislation is to create a structured and formal mechanism for investigating allegations of illegal or unethical behavior by members of the legislative bodies. By having separate committees in both the Senate and the House, the bill aims to enhance accountability and integrity within the state legislature, ensuring that allegations are addressed in a systematic manner.

Contention

While the bill appears to have broad intentions of restoring trust and accountability, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and the potential for political bias in investigations. Critics could argue that the effectiveness of these committees depends heavily on their composition and operational independence. There may also be debates about what constitutes 'unethical conduct', leading to possible divergences in how sanctions are applied across party lines.