Connecticut House Bill HB05169

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/19
• Refer: 1/11/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Real Property Tax And Individuals Age Sixty-five And Older.

Impact

The proposed change to property tax eligibility criteria could significantly benefit senior citizens by providing them with financial stability in terms of housing costs. By removing income as a factor in the assessment for tax relief, the bill could alleviate the financial pressure many elderly individuals face, particularly those on fixed incomes. This reform may help to prevent displacement due to rising property taxes and overall housing affordability issues for seniors.

Summary

House Bill 05169 seeks to amend existing tax laws related to real property taxation for individuals aged sixty-five and older. The main focus of the bill is to eliminate the consideration of a taxpayer's adjusted gross income when determining eligibility for real property tax relief. This legislative change aims to establish a property tax freeze for this group of individuals, making them less vulnerable to fluctuations in income and ensuring they can remain in their homes without the burden of increasing property taxes.

Contention

While the bill could potentially rally support among elderly constituents and advocacy groups focused on senior citizens' welfare, it also raises questions regarding its financial implications for state and local governments. Critics may argue that removing income consideration might lead to decreased revenue from property taxes, negatively impacting local funding for essential services. This concern could lead to debates on how to balance the needs of vulnerable populations with the fiscal responsibilities of government entities.