Connecticut House Bill HB05171

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/10
• Refer: 2/11/10

Caption

An Act Requiring A Tax Incidence Analysis.

Impact

If enacted, HB05171 would amend existing state statutes to establish a systematic approach to evaluating tax policies. This would provide lawmakers and stakeholders with critical insights into how well the current tax structures serve the population and support essential services. The periodic analysis will not only help identify areas for improvement but also promote accountability in fiscal management at both the state and local levels as it compels governmental bodies to regularly assess the implications of their tax policies on citizens.

Summary

House Bill 05171 is an act introduced in the General Assembly, aimed at mandating a tax incidence analysis to be conducted every five years by the Office of Policy and Management and the legislative Office of Fiscal Analysis. The bill was introduced to evaluate the performance of the state's local and state tax infrastructures based on the standards set by the National Conference of State Legislatures. By instituting regular assessments, this legislation aims to enhance understanding of the tax systems’ efficiency, fairness, and overall effectiveness in meeting the state's fiscal needs.

Contention

Despite its goal of improving tax systems, the bill could face contention in terms of funding and resource allocation for the analysis. Critics may argue that the bill imposes additional burdens on state agencies, possibly diverting attention from other necessary governmental functions. Additionally, stakeholders may have differing views on what constitutes a 'high-quality' tax system, leading to debates about the metrics and criteria used in these analyses. The implementation of the bill hinges on bipartisan support, as Republicans and Democrats may have varying priorities regarding taxation and fiscal responsibility.