The proposed legislation seeks to streamline the governmental reorganization process, emphasizing timely decision-making by the legislative body. By setting clear deadlines for public hearings and committee reports, S21 aims to enhance transparency and public engagement in the legislative process. The bill intends to prevent stagnation in action on reorganization plans which could significantly affect the state's operational efficiency and public service delivery.
Summary
Bill S21 outlines the procedural steps for a reorganization plan by the Governor that must be reviewed and approved by the General Court within a specified timeframe. The bill mandates that no later than 30 days after the Governor presents such a plan, a public hearing must occur, allowing citizens the opportunity to express their views. Following the hearing, the committee's decision must be reported within 10 days, further emphasizing the need for efficient legislative review and action.
Contention
There may be debate surrounding Bill S21 regarding how stringent the timelines should be for approving reorganization plans. Supporters argue that established timelines foster accountability and responsiveness among legislators, enhancing public trust. Conversely, critics may express concern that rushing these decisions could overlook vital stakeholder input and diminish comprehensive evaluations of the proposed changes, potentially leading to unintended consequences in governance.