Connecticut House Bill HB05364

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/17
• Refer: 1/10/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Public Assistance For Persons Absent From The State For More Than 30 Days.

Impact

If passed, HB 05364 could significantly affect vulnerable populations reliant on public assistance. The regulation enforces a stricter residency requirement that could lead to loss of benefits for individuals who may be temporarily away for work, education, or medical reasons. Critics of the bill may argue that it places undue burdens on individuals who might need assistance despite their temporary absence. Furthermore, the bill could create challenges for families and individuals managing unforeseen circumstances that require them to be out of state for longer than the stipulated duration.

Summary

House Bill 05364 aims to prohibit public assistance for individuals who are absent from the state of Connecticut for more than 30 days. The proposed legislation amends Title 17b of the general statutes, establishing that any recipient of public assistance who exceeds this absence period will automatically lose their benefits. The bill also introduces a rebuttable presumption of abandonment of residency for those who leave the state for over 30 days, thereby affecting their eligibility for state-funded support programs.

Contention

The conversation surrounding HB 05364 likely revolves around the balance between safeguarding state resources and ensuring that those genuinely in need of assistance do not experience hardship due to stringent residency requirements. Proponents may emphasize the bill as a necessary measure to prevent misuse of assistance programs, while opponents may express concern about the implications it holds for those who are in genuine need of support. The rebuttable presumption of abandonment could be a contentious point, raising questions about how exceptions will be determined and whether adequate flexibility will be incorporated into the bill's enforcement.