Bill > HB05156

This bill proposes to modify an existing statute (section 4-176e) to address potential conflicts of interest in administrative hearings by prohibiting agency staff from serving as presiding officers in their own agency's proceedings. In practical terms, this means that a hearing officer who is conducting a formal administrative hearing must be an independent third party, not someone who is currently employed by or a member of the agency conducting the hearing. The goal is to ensure fairness and impartiality in agency proceedings by preventing individuals from potentially judging cases within their own organizational structure, which could create a perceived or actual bias. By mandating that presiding officers come from outside the agency, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and neutrality of administrative hearings, thereby protecting the rights of individuals or entities involved in such proceedings.

Government Affairs

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05156&which_year=2025