Connecticut House Bill HB05096

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/16
• Refer: 2/9/16

Caption

An Act Concerning The Time Period For Funds To Escheat To The State.

Impact

Extending the escheatment period has implications for state law and financial regulations as it affects how unclaimed funds are managed. By allowing a longer claim period, proponents of the bill suggest it could benefit residents by giving them additional time to recover their assets. This may lead to fewer funds being immediately reclaimed by the state, potentially affecting the state's revenue in the short term, but increasing the likelihood that residents ultimately reclaim their property.

Summary

House Bill 05096 proposes to amend Section 3-57a of the general statutes in Connecticut, which governs the period after which certain funds are considered to escheat to the state. The bill seeks to extend this period from three years to seven years. This change aims to provide individuals and entities longer timeframes to claim their unclaimed property before it is turned over to the state treasury. The bill reflects a growing concern for consumer protection and aims to balance state interests with potential claimants' rights.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill may center on the appropriate length of the escheatment period. Some legislators may argue that a longer period could lead to complications in the management of unclaimed funds and may prolong the state's financial investment in tracking these assets. Others may express concerns about the impact on the state budget and the potential for lost revenue as unclaimed funds stay uncollected for more extended periods. Differing views on this issue could create tension between financial accountability and consumer rights.