Connecticut House Bill HB07163

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/17
• Refer: 2/23/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Circulation Of Nominating Petitions.

Impact

If passed, HB 07163 would modify existing state laws that dictate the conditions under which nominating petitions are circulated. The act specifically repeals provisions that currently require circulators to provide a residency address in the state, thereby streamlining the process for external participation. This could potentially lead to increased engagement from non-resident circulators who wish to influence elections, thus broadening the base from which candidates can garner support.

Summary

House Bill 07163 seeks to amend the current regulations governing the circulation of nominating petitions. The legislation primarily focuses on eliminating the requirement for circulators of nominating petitions to be residents of the state. This change is significant because it opens up the process to individuals who may not live in the state but wish to engage in the electoral process—specifically in supporting certain candidates or issues. The bill mandates that circulators must still be U.S. citizens, at least eighteen years of age, and not on parole for felony convictions, ensuring that basic eligibility requirements remain intact.

Contention

The bill has sparked some debate regarding the implications of removing the residency requirement for circulators. Proponents argue that allowing non-residents to circulate petitions could introduce diverse perspectives into local politics, while opponents worry this could lead to the exploitation of the nominating process by individuals who may not understand the specific needs and nuances of the local electorate. This contention highlights a broader discussion on the balance between encouraging participation in the democratic process and maintaining local control over electoral matters.