Connecticut Senate Bill SB00219

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/17
• Refer: 1/18/17

Caption

An Act Permitting Certain Persons And Beneficiaries To Dispose Of Property Without First Seeking The Consent Of The Commissioner Of Social Services.

Impact

The passage of SB00219 would have significant implications for individuals receiving public assistance. By removing the requirement for consent from the Commissioner, beneficiaries would gain greater autonomy over their property transactions. This change could lead to increased efficiency and reduce bureaucratic delays in property transfer processes. It may also encourage beneficiaries to engage more readily in property transactions, potentially enhancing their social mobility and economic opportunities.

Summary

SB00219 is an act that amends section 17b-85 of the general statutes regarding the disposal of property by certain beneficiaries of public assistance. The bill eliminates the prior requirement that these individuals must seek the consent of the Commissioner of Social Services before selling, assigning, transferring, encumbering, or disposing of their property. The primary purpose of this legislation is to facilitate timely recording of property conveyances by recipients of public assistance, which is essential for legal clarity and to ensure that property transactions are recognized in a timely manner.

Contention

While the bill is likely to be viewed positively by those advocating for the rights of public assistance recipients, it may raise concerns amongst regulators regarding the potential risks of property transactions being conducted without oversight. Critics might argue that without the Commissioner’s approval, there is a potential for exploitation or adverse consequences in cases where beneficiaries might not fully understand the ramifications of their transactions. This aspect of the legislation may spark discussions on the balance between beneficiary rights and the protections that social service systems are designed to offer.