Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HJ00020

Introduced
1/18/23  
Introduced
1/18/23  
Refer
1/18/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The introduction of HJ00020 could lead to substantive changes in the political landscape of the state. It aims to enhance voter engagement and responsiveness by providing an avenue for public dissatisfaction to be addressed through recall elections. Consequently, this could lead to increased political activism, as voters may feel more empowered to initiate recalls against officials they believe are not performing adequately. Supporters argue that this measure fortifies democratic principles, allowing citizens to exert control over their government.

Summary

HJ00020 proposes a significant amendment to the state constitution, allowing for the recall of elected officials. This amendment seeks to empower voters by enabling them to remove officials from office before their term ends. The procedure for initiating a recall would require a petition supported by at least 25% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. This reflects a move towards greater democratization by giving citizens a direct mechanism to hold their elected representatives accountable.

Contention

However, the bill is likely to incite debates regarding its potential implications on the stability of elected offices. Critics may express concerns that enabling recall elections could foster a politicized environment where elected officials may be susceptible to removal for partisan reasons or under pressure from special interest groups. Opponents of the bill might argue that frequent recalls could disrupt governance and lead to political instability, counteracting the intended goal of enhancing democratic processes.

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 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 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 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.