Connecticut House Bill HB05288

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/18
• Refer: 2/28/18
• Report Pass: 3/26/18
• Refer: 4/3/18
• Report Pass: 4/10/18

Caption

An Act Concerning Attorney's Fees In Wrongful Property Tax Assessment Actions.

Impact

The implementation of HB 05288 would reform the current statute by expressly permitting the recovery of reasonable attorney's fees for property owners who successfully challenge their tax assessments. This change is likely to create a more balanced landscape in property tax assessments, allowing for greater accountability on the part of local governments and fostering a fairer tax process. By enabling property owners to contest assessments more vigorously, the bill aims to protect taxpayers' rights and alleviate financial burdens caused by wrongful over-assessments.

Summary

House Bill 05288, titled 'An Act Concerning Attorney's Fees In Wrongful Property Tax Assessment Actions', aims to amend existing legislation regarding the redress available to property owners contesting wrongful tax assessments. The bill specifically allows property owners or lessees whose property has been assessed improperly to seek judicial relief prior to paying the disputed taxes. This judicial process is directed towards ensuring that taxpayers can challenge excessive or incorrectly imposed property taxes without the burden of upfront payment, thereby enhancing access to justice in tax-related disputes.

Sentiment

The sentiment toward HB 05288 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, with unanimous support demonstrated in the voting records. Legislators recognize the importance of equitable treatment in property taxation and the necessity for taxpayers to have the means to challenge unfair assessments. The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, indicating a collective agreement on the need for reform in the property tax assessment process, particularly concerning the legal costs incurred by property owners.

Contention

While the bill has received favorable votes, some concerns may arise regarding how the implementation of attorney's fees could impact local municipalities' fiscal responsibilities and budgetary constraints. Stakeholders have expressed that while providing legal support to taxpayers is laudable, there may be apprehensions about the potential increase in litigation or the burden it places on city finances when facing claims for reimbursed attorneys' fees. Nevertheless, the overarching intention of HB 05288 is to promote fairness and justice in property tax assessments.