Connecticut House Bill HB06780

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Providing For Full Funding Of State Payments In Lieu Of Taxes For Colleges And Hospitals.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6780 would significantly alter the funding landscape for municipalities that host colleges and hospitals. By guaranteeing full state reimbursements, the bill aims to relieve financial burdens on local governments and ensure that essential public services can continue to operate without interruption. This shift would not only stabilize local budgets but also promote fiscal equity among communities that house such institutions, recognizing their unique contributions to the local and state economies.

Summary

House Bill 6780 is an important legislative proposal aimed at addressing the financial concerns of municipalities regarding state-mandated property tax exemptions for colleges and hospitals. The bill proposes to amend existing statutes to ensure that municipalities receive full reimbursement—specifically, one hundred percent—of the costs associated with these exemptions under payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) programs. This legislative effort underlines the state's acknowledgment of the financial pressures that local governments face in compensating for the lack of tax revenue from these tax-exempt institutions.

Contention

While the bill has clear financial benefits for municipalities, it may also spark discussions regarding the fiscal responsibility of the state in supporting local jurisdictions. Opponents might argue that full reimbursement could lead to complacency among municipalities, reducing their incentives to adequately manage local finances. Conversely, proponents of the bill maintain that this measure is a critical step in recognizing the significant economic and social value that colleges and hospitals contribute to their local communities and the state at large.