Connecticut House Bill HB06652

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/15
• Refer: 1/28/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Priority Of Liens Where Penalty For Violation Of Blight Ordinance Is Unpaid.

Impact

The introduction of HB 06652 would strengthen the power of local governments in enforcing blight control measures. By prioritizing these specific liens, the bill incentivizes property owners to address compliance issues with local blight ordinances promptly. If passed, municipalities would likely see improved collections of fines, allowing for better funding and resources to tackle neighborhood blight and maintain community standards. This bill has the potential to enhance the overall quality of life in affected areas by addressing properties that may contribute to local decay or decreased property values.

Summary

House Bill 06652 aims to amend section 7-148aa of the general statutes related to property management concerning blight ordinances. The bill seeks to give priority to liens arising from unpaid penalties related to violations of local blight ordinances over all other existing liens and encumbrances. This change is significant as it ensures that municipalities can effectively enforce blight regulations by guaranteeing that penalties owed for violations will be paid before other debts secured against the property.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding the bill could be its impact on property owners who may already be struggling financially. Critics might argue that prioritizing penalty liens could exacerbate existing financial burdens on property owners and hinder their ability to remedy blight problems, as they could face increased pressure from debt accumulation. Additionally, there may be concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of local governments’ enforcement practices under this new priority system, particularly if the enforcement is perceived as overly aggressive or misapplied.