SPP Course Focuses on the Legislative Process

June 28, 2023

This past spring, Executive Director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission Alex Tsarkov taught alongside Deputy General Counsel at the Connecticut General Assembly Melanie Dykas. Their course, “PP 5397/PP 3098: Policymaking and Legislation” introduced students to the legislative process and focused on Connecticut’s General Assembly. Course topics included:

  • Formal and informal rules and procedures to develop and enact legislation

  • The impact of elections on legislative processes

  • Methods of tracking and researching legislation

  • Legislative bill drafting

  • The role of the public and stakeholders on shaping and influencing the legislative process

Alex TsarkovThe goal of the course was to prepare the students to participate in the legislative process on both a personal and professional basis. Alex explains, “We designed the syllabus to try to provide students with real-world experience and every course assignment reflects that goal.” Throughout the semester guest speakers attended almost every class to share their perspectives. Guests included legislators, partisan and nonpartisan legislative staff, lobbyists and a judge of the Connecticut Supreme Court.

The student’s final bill writing assignment was rooted in something they were passionate about. Both Alex and Melanie worked with each student to fine-tune their ideas and edit their drafts. Alex adds, “Statutory drafting was a challenge. It’s not an easy task even for a trained attorney.” Throughout the process students were encouraged to contact state legislators and even submit their proposals if they felt strongly about the merits of their legislation. Melanie Dykas

Similar to the bills under review by the Connecticut General Assembly, the students had varied proposals ranging from the criminalization of conversion therapy to decriminalizing prostitution. One Cold War Veteran proposed specialized vehicle plates in order to give Veterans recognition. This process exists currently for Veterans of other wars. 

In a mock State Senate the students presented their bills on the “floor of the Senate.” Alex notes,”Many students came up with amazing proposals that are worthy of consideration for the Connecticut General Assembly.” Peers acted as state senators and asked questions, proposed amendments and voted after a debate. Students then wrote a press release to explain the outcome to their “constituents.” Their positive reaction to the course was strong across the board!

Interested in taking this course with Alex and Melanie? You can find PP 5397/PP 3098: Policymaking and Legislation on our course schedule for next spring. They hope to see you in the classroom in 2024!

The Connecticut Sentencing Commission is staffed by Institute of Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP), which is housed at UConn’s School of Public Policy (SPP).