Connecticut House Bill HB05410

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/11
• Refer: 1/19/11

Caption

An Act Exempting Municipal Health Insurance Policies From The Insurance Premium Tax.

Impact

The impact of HB 5410 on state laws revolves around the modification of the existing tax structure as it relates to municipal health insurance. If enacted, this bill would specifically alter chapter 207 of the general statutes, which currently governs the taxation of insurance premiums. The proposed exemption could lead to a significant financial relief for local governments, enabling them to allocate funds previously directed towards tax liabilities to improve services or invest in community health programs. This shift in fiscal policy may encourage more municipalities to enhance their health insurance offerings to employees.

Summary

House Bill 5410 proposes an amendment to state law aimed at exempting municipal health insurance policies from the insurance premium tax. This bill is intended to lessen the financial burden on municipalities that provide health insurance for their employees, potentially resulting in savings that can be redirected to other local services or initiatives. By removing this tax obligation, the bill seeks to encourage municipalities to offer more comprehensive health benefits to their employees without the financial constraints imposed by the existing tax.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 5410 may encompass debates about the balance between state revenue and local financial autonomy. Supporters of the bill argue that exempting municipal health insurance from the premium tax is a necessary step towards providing essential benefits without excessive state taxation. Conversely, critics might express concern about the implications for state revenue, questioning how the loss of tax income could affect broader state programs and fiscal stability. Additionally, there may be contention regarding the equitable distribution of this tax relief, particularly in municipalities with varying financial capacities.