Connecticut House Bill HB05703

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning An Agreement Among The States To Prevent The Poaching Of Businesses.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5703 would amend existing state statutes to allow the state to engage in a compact with other states. This agreement would prohibit member states from incentivizing businesses located in other member states, thereby reducing instances of business relocation driven by financial incentives. The impact could lead to increased stability for businesses that choose to operate in their original states and potentially reduce the fiscal burden on states that may have resorted to providing excessive economic incentives to attract companies.

Summary

House Bill 5703 proposes to establish a compact among states to prevent the practice of poaching businesses by offering them economic incentives to relocate. This bill aims to tackle the significant issue of states competing against each other to attract businesses by providing substantial tax breaks or financial incentives, which can undermine economic stability across state lines. The bill intends to create a more equitable economic landscape whereby states do not aggressively undercut each other, promoting a sense of fairness in business operations.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it would level the playing field and encourage a fairer business environment, critics may raise concerns regarding the limitations it places on individual states' autonomy. There is a distinct possibility that opposing voices might argue that the bill could hinder a state's ability to attract new businesses, particularly in a competitive economic climate where local incentives are viewed as essential. Thus, discussions around this bill may revolve around finding a balance between collaboration among states and the rights of states to promote economic growth through competitive strategies.