Connecticut House Bill HB06123

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Municipal Tax Appeals And Contingency Agreements.

Impact

The proposed modifications under HB 6123 would have significant implications on state laws concerning property tax appeals. By enforcing stricter qualifications for representatives in these appeals, the state seeks to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the appeal process. This move could also potentially decrease the number of unqualified individuals participating in these legal negotiations, thereby protecting the rights of property owners and ensuring a more transparent assessment process. However, these changes may also complicate the appeal process for some property owners who might not have easy access to qualified attorneys or appraisers, particularly in less populated areas.

Summary

House Bill 6123 aims to modify the existing legislation surrounding municipal tax appeals in Connecticut. Specifically, the bill stipulates that individuals representing property owners or lessors in certain appeals related to real property assessments must be either qualified attorneys or certified real estate appraisers. This change is intended to ensure that those advocating for property owners are fully qualified to handle the complexities of the law and property assessment processes. Furthermore, the bill prohibits certified or provisionally licensed real estate appraisers from entering into contingency fee agreements regarding these appeals, likely to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and maintain professional integrity in such representations.

Contention

While the bill serves the intent of increasing professional standards, it has sparked some contention regarding the prohibition of contingency fee agreements for real estate appraisers. Critics argue that this restriction may hinder the ability of property owners—especially those with limited financial resources—to seek representation in tax appeals. The fear is that without the option of contingency fees, fewer appraisers may be willing to take on cases that require financial risk. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, argue that this measure reinforces the integrity of the appeals process by eliminating potential monetary motivations that could bias appraisers' recommendations and advocacy.