Sen. Cicarella Calls to Preserve Bipartisan Regulation Review Committee

Hartford – State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) released the following statement regarding the future of the Regulation Review Committee and the importance of maintaining bipartisan legislative oversight:

“I join my colleagues in emphasizing the importance of preserving the bipartisan structure of the Regulation Review Committee. As a member of this committee, I have seen firsthand how critical it is to maintain balance and fairness in reviewing regulations that impact every resident of our state.

Notably, House GOP Leader Vincent Candelora (a Republican) and House Speaker Matthew Ritter (a Democrat) have also come together to underscore the importance of maintaining the committee’s bipartisan nature, particularly as it faces potential changes under H.B. 5554.

The Regulation Review Committee serves as a vital check on the executive branch, ensuring that the intent of the legislature is carried out responsibly and transparently. Any proposal, such as H.B. 5554, that would eliminate its bipartisan makeup risks undermining that balance and weakening public trust in the process.

It is especially important to recognize the overwhelming public engagement on this issue, with hundreds of residents voicing their opposition. Their voices reinforce the need to protect this long-standing bipartisan tradition.

At the same time, we must continue working to strengthen transparency and accountability across state government. That is why I remain committed to reestablishing the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee. Like the Regulation Review Committee, it is designed to operate on a bipartisan basis and plays a critical role in evaluating state programs, identifying efficiencies, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.

Preserving bipartisan oversight and restoring proven mechanisms of accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in government. I will continue advocating for both.”