Connecticut House Bill HB05243

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/14
• Refer: 2/19/14

Caption

An Act Concerning Fines Remitted To Municipalities.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05243 is expected to enhance the financial resources available to municipalities. By increasing the share of fine revenue they collect, local governments may better fund public services, enforcement activities, or community programs. This alteration in revenue distribution can positively influence the fiscal health of municipalities, potentially allowing them to address budget constraints and improve local services that directly affect residents.

Summary

House Bill 05243 seeks to amend subsection (d) of section 51-56a of the general statutes concerning the allocation of fines remitted to municipalities. The bill proposes that municipalities receive 25% of the original face value of tickets issued for certain violations instead of the current remittance structure. This change aims to provide municipalities with a greater financial incentive and to ensure a more substantial share of fine revenue directly benefits the communities where the violations occur.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that it helps municipalities gain fair compensation for administrative costs associated with monitoring and enforcing city ordinances, critics may be concerned about its implications. They might argue that increasing municipal revenue through fines could lead to over-policing and place a burden on lower-income residents who may be disproportionately affected by ticketing and fines. The balance between providing necessary funding for local services and protecting citizens from punitive fines will likely be a point of contention among legislators and stakeholders.