Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06506

Introduced
2/24/21  
Introduced
2/24/21  
Refer
2/24/21  
Refer
2/24/21  
Report Pass
4/8/21  
Report Pass
4/8/21  
Refer
4/19/21  
Report Pass
4/26/21  
Report Pass
4/26/21  
Engrossed
5/24/21  
Engrossed
5/24/21  
Report Pass
5/26/21  
Passed
6/4/21  
Passed
6/4/21  
Chaptered
6/16/21  
Chaptered
6/16/21  
Enrolled
6/18/21  
Enrolled
6/18/21  
Passed
6/28/21  

Caption

An Act Concerning The Procedures Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner.

Impact

The legislation has a direct impact on existing state laws governing claims against the government. By amending the statutes related to the Claims Commissioner, the bill aims to make the claims process more accessible and efficient. This could lead to an increased volume of claims being processed and authorized for litigation against the state. Additionally, by enhancing regulations regarding how claims must be filed and how decisions are made, it aims to create a more transparent and fair system for individuals seeking claims against state actions or inactions.

Summary

House Bill 06506, also known as An Act Concerning The Procedures Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner, aims to streamline the processes through which claims against the state are addressed. The bill outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Claims Commissioner and introduces provisions to allow for temporary deputies to assist in handling claims. It ensures that claims can be authorized for lawsuits against the state when they meet certain criteria, particularly when the state could be considered liable as a private individual would be in similar circumstances. This is a significant deviation from previous structures that may have overly restricted the ability of citizens to seek recourse against the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment in the discussions surrounding HB 06506 appears to be one of cautious optimism. Supporters of the bill argue that it better facilitates accountability of the state, allowing individuals equitable access to legal remedies. However, there are concerns about the potential for increased litigation costs and flooding of claims, which some fear might overpower the existing legal frameworks and lead to judicial backlog. The debate reflects ongoing tensions about the balance of state immunity and individuals' rights in legal contexts.

Contention

Notable points of contention arose during discussions about the bill regarding the threshold for allowing temporary deputies to make binding decisions on claims. Some legislators argue this could lead to inconsistencies in how claims are adjudicated, especially if deputies are less equipped than the Claims Commissioner. Additionally, the proposal that the Attorney General should need approval from the General Assembly for certain expenditures related to settlements raised concerns about political interference in what should be a legal decision. These factors highlight the complexities involved in reforming state claims processes and the varied perspectives on how best to achieve a fair balance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT HB05487

An Act Concerning The Operation And Administration Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner.

CT SB00242

An Act Concerning The Office Of Health Strategy's Recommendations Regarding The All-payer Claims Database.

CT HB05382

An Act Concerning The Recommendations Of The Office Of The Child Advocate.

CT SB00501

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Assessments For Property Taxation, Innovation Banks, The Interest On Certain Tax Underpayments, The Assessment On Insurers, School Building Projects, The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority Charter And Certain State Historic Preservation Officer Procedures.

CT SB00437

An Act Concerning The Structure Of The Office Of The Child Advocate Within The Office Of Governmental Accountability.

CT SB00251

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

CT HB05283

An Act Concerning The Classification Of Parole Officers As Peace Officers.

CT SB00241

An Act Concerning The Office Of Health Strategy's Recommendations Regarding 340b Program Transparency.

CT SB00212

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Corrections To The General Statutes.

CT HB05500

An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.

Similar Bills

CT HB06876

An Act Concerning The Administration Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner.

CT HB05487

An Act Concerning The Operation And Administration Of The Office Of The Claims Commissioner.

VT H0286

An act relating to miscellaneous workers’ compensation amendments

VT S0101

An act relating to miscellaneous workers’ compensation amendments

CT HB07136

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Revisions To The General Statutes.

NJ A5150

Requires DOLWD to track and maintain information on job loss due to automation.

NJ A1256

Requires DOLWD to track and maintain information on job loss due to automation.

MS HB1638

Income tax; allow DHS to collect debts owed to it through setoff against state income tax refunds.