Connecticut House Bill HB05550

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/19
• Refer: 1/17/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Removal Of License Plates From Unregistered Motor Vehicles.

Impact

The impact of HB 5550 on state laws includes the empowerment of law enforcement to actively remove license plates from vehicles that evade local registration requirements. This could potentially lead to an increase in registered vehicles in the state, as the threat of losing license plates may incentivize owners of unregistered vehicles to formally register their vehicles to avoid such enforcement actions. Additionally, it aims to ensure that all vehicles subject to property taxation are accounted for, fostering a fairer taxation environment.

Summary

House Bill 5550, introduced by Representative Cummings, addresses the issue of unregistered motor vehicles in the state. The bill proposes an amendment to title 14 of the general statutes, allowing police officers to remove license plates from motor vehicles that are registered in other states. This action would only be taken if it is determined that the vehicle is subject to property taxation in the state and has not been registered locally. The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance compliance with state vehicle registration laws and ensure that unregistered vehicles contribute to local taxing efforts.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a straightforward goal of regulating vehicle registration, it may face opposition from various stakeholders who could perceive it as an overreach of police powers. Concerns may arise regarding the implications for vehicle owners, particularly those who may have valid reasons for not registering their vehicles immediately. Additionally, the enforcement mechanism and the criteria used to determine taxation and registration status could be points of contention, potentially leading to discussions on individual rights versus state interests in taxation.