Government Administration and Elections Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1074
AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS PROVISIONS RELATED TO GOVERNMENT
Title: ADMINISTRATION AND COVID-19.
Vote Date: 3/31/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/26/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
The Government Administration and Elections Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill would extend the duration of various provisions of executive orders concerning FOI
requirements for meetings and appeals, regulatory requirements, municipal nominations and
notaries. It would allow public agencies to hold meetings remotely using a conference call,
videoconference or other technology in addition to meeting in person.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Freedom of Information Commission: The FOI commission believes that these bills would
make public agencies more accessible and transparent. They explained that the "attendance"
during remote meetings for some public agencies has been higher than in the past years and
encouraged more citizen participation in the governmental process. They stated that this bill
would also be a step toward increased transparency and access for the public by requiring
recordings and transcripts to be made available to the public.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Kelly McConney Moore, Interim Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union
of Connecticut: Moore believes that one of the most vital ways that people can ensure that
their voices are heard within their government is to observe, participate in, testify at, and
attend the meetings of local government. They state that having state agencies give both
online notices, and newspaper notices of meetings would likely reach the largest number of
residents. They testified that it is critical to extend open government requirements to virtual
meetings and having it clearly explained in a bill would ensure there is a seamless access to
records of government action.
Betsy Gara, Executive Director, Connecticut Council of Small Towns: Gara believes that
allowing virtual holdings of meetings has been critical in reducing the risk of transmission of
COVID-19. They testified that due to the uncertainty of the pandemic municipalities need to
be able to continue to use electronic technology to hold meetings and hearings.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Jenna Schwerdtle Date: 03/31/2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-1074


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-225, 1-226, 1-228, 1-200
GAE Joint Favorable: 1-225, 1-226, 1-228, 1-200
File No. 525: 1-225, 1-226, 1-228, 1-200
APP Joint Favorable: 1-225, 1-226, 1-228, 1-200