The Bill, H.B. 5245, An Act Permitting Electronic Notification of a Special Session or a Reconvened Session, passed the House unanimously.
Wilms, who represents Norwalk and New Canaan, originally proposed the concept to the Government Administration and Elections Committee after he was notified of a special session last year by a state trooper at midnight at his home, due to the fact that the trooper was unable to reach him earlier in the day.
“I would rather have our state troopers protecting the citizens of our state than trying to track me down,” Wilms said. “This bill conserves use of our state troopers, and also allows the legislature to streamline electronic notification services. It’s a win for both taxpayers and our state troopers.”
Under the bill, the secretary of the state is given the option of notifying General Assembly members of special sessions through email, but must do so at least 72 hours before the session convenes.
The secretary of state can also send notices through first class mail if done so between 10 and 15 days prior to a special session, and five days before a reconvened session.
State police, constables or state marshals can still be employed at the secretary’s discretion.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where is awaits passage.
The 2016 Legislative Session adjourns on Wednesday.
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