Connecticut Law ARTICLE III Of the Legislative Department
Connecticut Constitution – Article III: Of the Legislative Department
🔹 Overview:
Article III of the Connecticut Constitution establishes the Legislative Department, detailing the structure, powers, responsibilities, and procedures of the Connecticut General Assembly—which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
🔑 Key Sections and Provisions:
Below is a section-by-section summary of Article III:
Section 1 – Legislative Power
All legislative powers are vested in the General Assembly, composed of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 2 – House of Representatives
Members are elected biennially (every two years).
Each town is guaranteed at least one representative, with additional representation based on population.
Section 3 – Senate
The Senate consists of no fewer than 24 and no more than 36 members.
Senators are also elected every two years.
Senate districts must be as nearly equal in population as possible.
Section 4 – Eligibility
To be eligible to serve, a person must be an elector (registered voter) in the district they represent.
Section 5 – Election and Terms
Members of both houses are elected in even-numbered years on Election Day (first Tuesday after the first Monday in November).
Section 6 – Powers of Each House
Each house determines its own rules, punishes or expels members, and judges the election returns and qualifications of its members.
Section 7 – Journals and Transparency
Each house must keep a public journal of its proceedings.
Votes on final passage of bills must be recorded by name (roll call vote).
Section 8 – Sessions
The General Assembly shall meet annually in regular session beginning in January.
Special sessions may be called by the Governor or by the legislative leadership under certain rules.
Section 9 – Enacting Clause
All laws must include the phrase:
“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened.”
Section 10 – Style and Passage of Bills
Only bills that pass both houses and are signed by the Governor (or enacted over a veto) become law.
Bills must be read three times before final passage.
Section 11 – Revenue Bills
Bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives.
Section 12 – Vacancies
Procedures are established for filling vacancies in either house.
Section 13 – Compensation
Members are compensated as determined by law.
Section 14 – Restrictions on Holding Other Offices
Members of the General Assembly may not hold other state offices during their term.
Section 15 – Impeachment Power
The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, and the Senate tries impeachments.
✅ Purpose of Article III:
To define a bicameral legislature, ensure representative government, establish rules for fair legislative process, and maintain a clear separation of powers within Connecticut's state government.
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