Gov. Rell Vetoes Bill Requiring Legislative Approval

of Family Support Magistrate Appointments

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has vetoed a bill that would have required Family Support Magistrates (FSMs) to be screened by the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee and approved by both chambers of the General Assembly, calling the bill unnecessary and an intrusion on executive authority.

            “Family Support Magistrates serve some of the most vulnerable people in our state in a highly specialized area of the law,” Governor Rell said. “They preside over such emotionally charged issues as child and spousal support cases and paternity cases. Since the creation of the position nearly 23 years ago, FSMs have been appointed by the Governor – and the system has worked so well that the Legislature has seen fit over the years to expand the number of magistrates serving the state from six to nine.

            “There is no need to change this system now,” the Governor said. “No Family Support Magistrate has ever been removed for misconduct. In fact, many former FSMs have gone on to serve the state on our Superior and Appellate courts. Moreover, this bill represents another attempt by the Legislature to intrude on the powers granted by law to the Office of the Governor – an effort I will not permit. This bill is simply unnecessary.”

            The role of FSM was created by the Legislature in 1986 as an administrative position so that the state would qualify for federal reimbursement of expenses under the Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act. The federal government reimburses about two-thirds of the costs of costs of FSMs.

            The bill is House Bill 6700, An Act Concerning the Appointment of Family Support Magistrates.