Connecticut House Bill HB05061

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/17
• Refer: 1/4/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Property Tax Assessed On A Primary Residence Owned By The Same Homeowner For Thirty-five Or More Years.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5061 would significantly impact local taxation policies, particularly in municipalities where property values have increased sharply. The bill would effectively cap property taxes for qualifying homeowners, potentially enhancing housing stability for those who have invested in their neighborhoods over decades. This change may encourage homeowners to remain in their properties longer, potentially delaying transitions in ownership and impacting housing availability in the region.

Summary

House Bill 5061 seeks to amend property tax regulations for homeowners who have owned the same primary residence for thirty-five or more consecutive years. The bill proposes that such homeowners should only be liable for property tax based on the assessed value of their residence at the time of purchase, along with any improvements made thereafter. This initiative aims to provide financial relief for long-term residents who might otherwise face increasing property tax assessments over the years due to rising property values.

Contention

The introduction of HB 5061 has sparked discussions around fairness in property taxation. Proponents argue that it protects long-term homeowners from the financial burden of escalating property taxes that do not reflect their ability to pay, especially for retired individuals on fixed incomes. Conversely, critics may see the bill as discriminatory, arguing that it could unjustly favor long-term residents at the expense of new property owners, thereby complicating the local tax base and limiting funds available for public services and infrastructure improvements.