Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB05653

Introduced
1/27/21  
Introduced
1/27/21  
Refer
1/27/21  
Refer
1/27/21  
Refer
3/18/21  
Refer
3/18/21  
Report Pass
4/5/21  
Report Pass
4/5/21  
Refer
4/16/21  
Refer
4/16/21  
Report Pass
4/22/21  
Report Pass
4/22/21  
Engrossed
5/11/21  
Engrossed
5/11/21  
Report Pass
5/12/21  
Report Pass
5/12/21  
Passed
5/13/21  
Passed
5/13/21  
Enrolled
5/14/21  
Enrolled
5/14/21  
Passed
5/17/21  
Passed
5/17/21  
Chaptered
5/21/21  
Enrolled
5/26/21  

Caption

An Act Concerning Declarations Of Public Health And Civil Preparedness Emergencies And The Creation Of A Bipartisan Commission To Study Statutes Governing The Issuance Of Such Declarations.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws surrounding public health emergencies by reinforcing legislative authority over executive actions during such situations. By establishing a bipartisan commission tasked with studying existing statutes, the bill aims to enhance legislative oversight on the issuance and renewal of emergency declarations, which could lead to future amendments that potentially reshape the balance of power between the legislature and the executive branch.

Summary

House Bill 05653 centers on the modifications related to declarations of public health and civil preparedness emergencies, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill allows the Governor to renew these emergency declarations originally established on March 10, 2020, with defined durations based on whether the General Assembly is in session. This seeks to ensure that legislative oversight exists for any such renewals, placing a limit on the duration and conditions under which these declarations may last.

Sentiment

Overall, sentiment surrounding HB 05653 indicates a cautious but supportive stance among legislators who seek to formalize and govern pandemic responses more rigorously. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary checks and balances on executive powers, whilst also ensuring the swift response needed during emergencies. However, there remains some skepticism regarding the efficiency and practicality of legislative processes during urgent public health crises.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns and debates over the breadth of executive power during emergencies. On one hand, proponents of the bill believe that legislative oversight is crucial to prevent misuse of emergency powers; however, opponents warn that such oversight could hinder rapid responses necessary during urgent public health threats. Balancing the need for strong leadership in crises against the need for accountability and legislative involvement continues to foster discussions in the legislative environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05290

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT HB05488

An Act Concerning Various Revisions To The Public Health Statutes.

CT SB00154

An Act Concerning Various And Assorted Revisions To The Education Statutes.

CT SB00134

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Minor And Technical Revisions To Statutes Concerning Consumer Protection.

CT HB05182

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical Revisions To The Education And Early Childhood Statutes.

CT HB05310

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

CT HB05464

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical Revisions To Insurance-related Statutes.

CT SB00295

An Act Concerning Recommendations Of The Legislative Commissioners' Office For Technical Changes To Environment-related Statutes.

CT SB00001

An Act Concerning The Health And Safety Of Connecticut Residents.

CT SB00251

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical And Other Revisions To The Tax And Related Statutes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.