Connecticut House Bill HB05571

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/15
• Refer: 1/20/15

Caption

An Act Excluding Certain Hospital Facilities And Institutions Of Higher Learning From The Payment In Lieu Of Taxes Grant Programs.

Impact

The enactment of HB 05571 would shift the financial landscape for municipalities that host these hospital and education facilities. By removing PILOT grants, municipalities could benefit from increased local tax revenues, which they could allocate toward essential services and infrastructure improvements. This change may create significant fiscal implications for local governments, allowing them to enhance budgets for public projects that have been previously constrained by reliance on state funding through the PILOT program.

Summary

House Bill 05571 aims to amend Title 12 of the general statutes by excluding certain hospital facilities and institutions of higher learning from the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) grant programs. The primary goal of this legislation is to enable municipalities to collect property taxes directly from these facilities and institutions. Currently, PILOT programs serve as a form of financial assistance to local governments from the state to offset the loss of property tax revenue due to tax-exempt statuses held by hospitals and educational institutions. This bill proposes to reverse that arrangement for specific entities.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 05571 is likely to involve stakeholders from both the healthcare sector and local government agencies. Advocates for the bill argue that it is necessary for fiscal responsibility and local governance, while opponents might raise concerns about the potential financial burden placed on the healthcare and educational institutions affected. Critics could fear that such financial pressures could lead to reduced services or increased costs for patients and students. Additionally, the implications for community resources and support structures tied to these institutions will likely figure prominently in discussions.