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House approves first-step transparency rules for legislatively directed funds
Summary
Lawmakers voted to add reporting, OPM training and payment rules for legislatively directed funds (earmarks). Supporters called it a needed step to bring oversight to budget-directed grants; some members said further expansion to other branches will be needed in future sessions.
The Connecticut House adopted an amendment to HB 5039 on April 16 to increase disclosure and oversight of legislatively directed funds. Representative Dathan, sponsor of the amendment, said the measure creates a framework for documenting the purpose of directed funds, requires annual training by the Office of Policy and Management for recipients, and sets payment terms and reporting requirements to improve transparency and accountability.
Under the amendment, smaller legislative-directed awards (thresholds were discussed on the floor) may have alternative payment terms; the amendment also requires administering state agencies to maintain policies and procedures for disbursement and subrecipient oversight. Several members urged that the measure is a first step and recommended expanding consistent transparency standards to other branches of government in later work.
Supporters said the industry of legislatively directed grants needs clearer public documentation to avoid misuse and to show taxpayers how funds are used. The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the bill passed. Members said they will continue to press for broader standardization of processes and for tools that trace funds and subrecipients.
