Connecticut House Bill HB05172

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/18
• Refer: 2/21/18
• Report Pass: 3/9/18
• Refer: 3/22/18
• Report Pass: 3/28/18
• Refer: 4/3/18
• Report Pass: 4/6/18

Caption

An Act Concerning State Agency Data Management And Processes, The Transmittal Of Town Property Assessment Information And The Suspension Of Certain Regulatory Requirements.

Impact

This legislation aims to amend existing laws governing data handling, specifically regarding public data and confidentiality. By requiring agencies to provide and manage high-value data for public accessibility, it changes the landscape of how state data is governed. This shift is anticipated to yield improvements in service delivery and facilitate economic development by making vital data more accessible to the public and various stakeholders. Additionally, it overlaps with existing regulations to allow agencies to suspend paper filing and instead provide electronic options, thereby modernizing the regulatory framework governing state processes.

Summary

House Bill 05172 focuses on enhancing state agency data management and regulatory efficiency by enabling and promoting electronic data handling. The bill mandates state agencies to explore difficult applications to an electronic format, which is intended to streamline processes and make public services more accessible. Furthermore, it seeks to emphasize the importance of high-value data, advocating for its sharing among executive branch agencies and the public to increase transparency and accountability in governmental operations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 05172 appears to be positive among those who advocate for technological modernization in government. Supporters believe that this bill will lead to improved service delivery and efficiency within state agencies. However, there may be apprehensive thoughts about data privacy and the implications of shifting to electronic management. Some stakeholders might express concern regarding the availability of resources to ensure that all citizens can access electronic filing systems, as this could inadvertently exclude those lacking electronic capabilities from equal access to governmental services.

Contention

Notable points of contention may revolve around the balance between improved efficiency and the potential risks to data privacy and security. Critics of such shifts often highlight that moving towards electronic systems could make sensitive data more vulnerable to breaches if not properly secured. Moreover, the conversations during the bill's discussions underscore the challenges in ensuring that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, are not left behind in the transition towards a more data-driven approach to state governance.