Connecticut House Bill HB06494

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/1/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Claims Of The State For Repayment Of Aid And Parental Liability.

Impact

The bill indicates that if a beneficiary acquires any property or interest, the state could impose a lien against that property up to the total assistance amount provided, limiting the amount available to other creditors. This aim of the bill is to safeguard state financial interests while concurrently addressing the liability of beneficiaries’ parents, further establishing their responsibility to repay aid received on behalf of their children. This adjustment could lead to deeper financial scrutiny of families who receive state assistance.

Summary

House Bill 6494 is focused on clarifying the state's claims for repayment of aid provided to beneficiaries of various assistance programs, including the state supplement program and the aid to families with dependent children program. The legislation outlines how the state can assert its claims against beneficiaries who obtain property or assets, ensuring that the state retains a priority lien on those assets for the recovery of aid amounts disbursed. This change emphasizes the state's right to recover funds, potentially impacting beneficiaries' financial responsibilities following their benefactor status.

Contention

While the bill serves to mitigate state costs by ensuring recovery of aid, there may be concerns regarding its implications on familial and property rights. Critics might argue that such provisions could disproportionately burden families who find themselves in financial distress due to the requirements of repayment, especially in cases where beneficiaries face unforeseen hardships. As a result, this legislative push could be viewed as an overreach into private financial matters, raising questions about the balance between state recovery efforts and individual rights.