Connecticut Senate Bill SB01032

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/11
• Refer: 2/18/11

Caption

An Act Studying The Feasibility Of Enacting An Exemption From The Occupational Tax On Attorneys Related To Income And Pro Bono Legal Services.

Impact

If enacted, SB01032 could directly influence attorney income levels and access to legal representation for low-income populations. By potentially exempting certain attorneys from occupational taxes, the bill aims to encourage more legal professionals to engage in pro bono work, thereby increasing access to legal services for those in need. This could lead to a shift in how legal services are provided to economically disadvantaged individuals and communities, promoting greater equity in legal representation.

Summary

SB01032, also titled 'An Act Studying The Feasibility Of Enacting An Exemption From The Occupational Tax On Attorneys Related To Income And Pro Bono Legal Services,' aims to explore the possibility of exempting attorneys from the occupational tax if they have a low income from their legal practice or provide a significant amount of pro bono services each year. The bill's intention is to assess whether such an exemption could ease the financial burden on attorneys who contribute significantly to societal needs through free legal assistance, particularly those just starting their careers or those working in underserved communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB01032 may involve discussions on financial implications for state revenues, as reducing the occupational tax on attorneys could lead to decreased tax income for the state. Critics might worry about the fairness of such exemptions and whether they create an imbalance in the tax system. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the criteria for determining 'extensive hours of pro bono legal services' and how to ensure that only those truly in need of assistance are eligible for the tax exemption.