OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5532

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CROSS-ENDORSEMENT OF CANDIDATES FOR PURPOSES OF MINORITY REPRESENTATION.

SUMMARY:

For minority representation purposes, this bill requires that a cross-endorsed candidate be considered a member of the party on whose ballot line he or she receives the most votes. Under current law, a cross-endorsed candidate is considered a member of the party in which he or she is enrolled, regardless of how many votes he or she receives on its ballot line.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Minority Representation

The minority representation law restricts the maximum number of members of one political party who can serve on certain state and municipal boards and commissions. Once candidates from the same political party fill the maximum allowable slots, the highest vote getters from any other party or parties, or unaffiliated candidates, fill the remaining positions. The table below provides the minority representation requirement.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Government Administration and Elections Committee

Joint Favorable