Connecticut House Bill HB06173

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/15
• Refer: 1/22/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Establishment Of Expedited Procedures For Tax Foreclosures On Land.

Impact

The implications of HB 6173, if enacted, could significantly affect the way local municipalities handle tax delinquencies and foreclosures. Current processes can be lengthy and cumbersome, often leading to properties remaining in a state of limbo for extended periods. By facilitating quicker foreclosures on long-absent tax payments, the bill is expected to enhance local governance and allow municipalities to increase their tax base more effectively. However, there are concerns about the fairness and equity of such a swift process, particularly regarding small landowners or those who may have fallen behind due to extenuating circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 6173 aims to create expedited procedures for tax foreclosures specifically targeting small parcels of land that have not had taxes paid for ten years or longer. The bill is intended to streamline the foreclosure process for areas of land that may have become delinquent due to unpaid taxes. By establishing clearer and more efficient procedures, proponents believe it will help local governments reclaim lost revenue while minimizing the backlog of unpaid properties in the tax system. The expedited process could potentially lead to quicker resolution and reallocation of land for other uses.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 6173 revolve around the potential impact it may have on vulnerable property owners who could lose their land without adequate opportunities to remedy their tax delinquencies. Critics argue that the expedited processes might leave little room for flexibility or consideration of individual circumstances, which could disproportionately affect low-income families or individuals who are struggling financially. Advocates for the bill counter this by stressing the need for municipalities to regain control over tax revenues, suggesting that clearer procedures would ultimately benefit the community by preventing decay of property values associated with abandoned land.