Rep. Becker's Regionalism Bill Passes Unanimously

The State Senate has unanimously passed a bill, authored by State Representative Brian Becker (D-19^th District), which makes it easier for cities and towns to collaborate on municipal functions to save money. The bill has garnered widespread appeal from state and municipal officials and now heads to the desk of Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his signature.

“This bill is a real boost for regionalism,” said Rep. Becker.  “HB 5780 clarifies that municipalities can work together in any area in which they think they can realize savings or efficiencies.  It also shortens and simplifies the approval process, which currently can be cumbersome and costly.  This will save cities and towns time and money.”

The bill gives towns more flexibility in negotiating interlocal agreements and eliminates certain procedural hurdles that municipalities have to meet before entering into those agreements.

The bill also allows the legislative bodies of such municipalities to delegate their authority to approve an interlocal agreement to the board of selectmen.

“The bottom line is that municipalities that want to work together to save costs and retain or improve services should be encouraged to do so, and should not have state law be an obstacle,” Becker said.

Once the bill is signed into law by the Governor, it will become effective October 1, 2011, with the exception that the repeal of required provisions in interlocal agreements is effective upon passage.

Brian Becker represents the 19th Assembly District, consisting of parts of West Hartford, Avon and Farmington.

Submitted by House Democrats of Connecticut.