Connecticut Senate Bill SB00118

Connecticut 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/16
• Refer: 2/17/16

Caption

An Act Concerning The Collection Of Delinquent Taxes And Child Support From Lottery Winnings.

Impact

The legislation impacts existing state laws by amending sections of the general statutes related to the Connecticut Lottery Corporation's responsibilities. By reducing the winning amount that can be subjected to withholding, the bill expands the state's ability to recover funds, potentially leading to increased compliance among those who owe support or taxes. This amendment is expected to strengthen the state's financial recovery efforts and aid in the enforcement of child support payments and tax obligations.

Summary

SB00118 aims to enhance the collection of delinquent taxes and child support by enabling the Connecticut Lottery Corporation to withhold lottery winnings from individuals who owe these debts. Specifically, the bill lowers the threshold for lottery winnings subject to such deductions from $5,000 to $600. This change is designed to streamline the collection process and ensure that funds owed for child support and taxes are recovered promptly when individuals win lottery prizes.

Contention

The bill presents points of contention primarily around the implications of withholding lottery winnings from individuals who may be experiencing financial difficulties. Concerns have been raised regarding the fairness of penalizing individuals at a time when they might be expecting to benefit from lottery winnings. Opponents argue that the reduced threshold could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may win small amounts and thus struggle further with the enforcement of debt obligations. Supporters counter that the need for financial accountability outweighs these concerns.