Connecticut Senate Bill SB00096

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/12
• Refer: 2/16/12

Caption

An Act Exempting Municipalities From The Health Insurance Premium Tax.

Impact

If enacted, SB00096 would specifically impact the financial operations of municipalities by reducing their tax liabilities connected to health insurance premiums. This could lead to increased capacity for local governments to hire and retain employees by making health benefits more financially sustainable. Furthermore, the bill may set a precedent by differentiating municipal health insurance plans from those of private entities, thus giving local governments a competitive advantage in managing employee benefits effectively, potentially attracting talent in critical public service roles.

Summary

SB00096, officially titled 'An Act Exempting Municipalities From The Health Insurance Premium Tax', is a legislative proposal aimed at exempting health insurance premiums paid by municipalities from the state-level insurance premiums tax that currently applies to various types of direct premiums. This bill seeks to alleviate financial burdens on local governments by allowing them to procure health insurance coverage for their employees without the additional tax implications that can strain municipal budgets. By eliminating the tax on such premiums, the bill aims to promote better healthcare access for public employees and their dependents.

Contention

The bill has faced scrutiny regarding its implications for state tax revenue, as exempting municipalities from the health insurance premium tax could lead to a reduction in funds generated through these taxes. Some legislators have raised concerns about the broader precedent of exempting specific entities from state taxes, which may open the floodgates for other exemptions being sought by different sectors. Critics argue that such tax exemptions could impact the overall fiscal health of the state and its ability to fund essential public services.