Connecticut House Bill HB06212

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/11
• Refer: 1/26/11

Caption

An Act Reducing The Amount Of The Surety Bond Furnished By Applicants For A New Or Used Car Dealer's License.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 6212 stand to positively impact small business owners in the automotive repair industry. By lessening the surety bond requirement, the bill intends to make it more manageable for these business owners to afford the necessary licensing fees. This could lead to increased competition and a more vibrant automotive marketplace, particularly benefiting small operators who struggle under the current financial strain imposed by higher bonding requirements.

Summary

House Bill 6212 aims to reduce the financial burden on small car repair businesses by lowering the surety bond required for obtaining a new or used car dealer's license. The bill proposes to amend existing legislation by decreasing the surety bond amount from fifty thousand dollars to twenty thousand dollars. This reduction is significant as it alleviates a yearly payment that has been described as a considerable hardship for smaller operators, who primarily focus on car repairs with occasional sales of vehicles.

Contention

While the bill is presented as a measure to support small businesses, there may be concerns about the potential implications for consumer protection. A lower surety bond may theoretically decrease the financial security that ensures car dealers can meet their obligations to customers. Critics may argue that reducing the bond amount could lead to increased risks for consumers, as the ability to recover damages in case of dealer failure or misconduct may be diminished, meaning that careful consideration of the potential negative outcomes is warranted before enacting such changes.