Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HJ00043

Introduced
1/24/19  
Introduced
1/24/19  
Refer
1/24/19  

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Permit The Recall Of Elected Officials.

Impact

Should this amendment be passed, it would have a profound impact on the governance structure within the state. By allowing for recalls, constituents would secure greater authority over their representatives, enabling them to act against officials who display misconduct or inefficiency. This mechanism could potentially deter malpractice as elected officials may feel a greater sense of obligation to their constituents knowing they could be removed from office mid-term. However, the introduction of this recall process also raises concerns about political manipulation and instability.

Summary

House Joint Resolution No. 43 proposes an amendment to the state constitution allowing the recall of elected officials. The key provision states that an elected official may be recalled from office prior to the completion of their term if a petition is signed by a number of electors equal to at least twenty-five percent of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. This measure is introduced with the intent to enhance accountability among elected officials and provide voters a means to remove those who may not be fulfilling their duties as expected.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJ00043 may center on the implications of frequent recalls on governance. Proponents argue this provision could empower citizens to hold elected officials accountable, while opponents may assert that such an amendment could lead to excessive recalls driven by political motives or dissatisfaction. Additionally, the practicality of implementing a successful recall process, including the logistics of collecting signatures and the required percentage, may also be contested among lawmakers and the public alike.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SJ00193

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Regarding Environmental Rights.

CT HJ00216

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Allow Individuals Who Have Attained The Age Of Sixteen To Apply For Admission As Electors And To Be So Admitted Upon Attaining The Age Of Eighteen.

CT SJ00004

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex Under The Equal Protection Clause.

CT HJ00171

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Revise Requirements Relating To The Offering Of Bail Or Pretrial Release To Persons Accused Of A Crime.

CT HJ00217

Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Permitting Congress To Regulate Child Labor.

CT HJ00230

Resolution Memorializing Congress To Rescind Previous Applications Of The General Assembly Calling For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States.

CT HB05498

An Act Concerning Election Security And Transparency, The Counting Of Absentee Ballots, Absentee Voting For Certain Patients Of Nursing Homes, Security Of Certain Election Workers, State Elections Enforcement Commission Complaints, Ballots Made Available In Languages Other Than English And Various Other Revisions Related To Election Administration.

CT SB00258

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To The Government Administration And Elections Statutes.

CT HB05310

An Act Concerning Presidential Electors And The Certification Or Declaration Of Election Results.

CT SB00260

An Act Concerning Conflicts Of Interest Due To An Employer Other Than The State Under The State Code Of Ethics For Public Officials.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.