Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00312

Introduced
1/23/19  

Caption

An Act Cutting Off Public Assistance For Persons Who Leave The State For More Than Thirty Days.

Impact

The implications of SB00312 are noteworthy, as it could lead to a reduction in the number of individuals eligible for public assistance. By making residency a crucial criterion for maintaining benefits, the legislation could push individuals who temporarily relocate out of the state for employment or personal reasons to forfeit their support. This change may deter individuals from seeking opportunities outside Connecticut, impacting their economic mobility and the overall welfare system within the state. Additionally, it raises questions about the rights of residents who may be forced to leave temporarily, potentially affecting disadvantaged populations the most.

Summary

SB00312, titled 'An Act Cutting Off Public Assistance For Persons Who Leave The State For More Than Thirty Days,' proposes a significant change in how public assistance is administered in Connecticut. The bill stipulates that any recipient of public assistance who is absent from the state for more than thirty days will lose their benefits. Furthermore, such an absence will create a rebuttable presumption of abandonment of Connecticut residency. This legislative move suggests an effort to tighten eligibility requirements for state-provided welfare resources.

Conclusion

In summary, SB00312 represents a shift towards stricter regulations governing public assistance in Connecticut, directly linking welfare support to state residency. The bill's implementation may have far-reaching consequences on individuals' decisions regarding work and living situations, prompting a significant dialogue about the balance between state control and individual rights. Stakeholders will need to examine potential impacts on equity and accessibility of public assistance in light of this proposed legislation.

Contention

Discussions around SB00312 likely include concerns over fairness and access to essential public resources. Critics may argue that the bill disproportionately affects lower-income individuals, who often cannot afford to remain in Connecticut during temporary relocations for work or emergencies. The threshold of thirty days might also be seen as arbitrary, raising potential legal considerations about residency and public support. Advocates for public assistance may label the bill as punitive, arguing it could lead to increased hardship for vulnerable populations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00235

An Act Concerning Military Leave Provisions Under The State Personnel Act.

CT SB00222

An Act Concerning Changes To The Paid Family And Medical Leave Statutes.

CT HB05005

An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days In The State.

CT SB00012

An Act Expanding Access To Paid Sick Days In The State.

CT HB05166

An Act Expanding Paid Sick Days In The State.

CT HB05279

An Act Concerning Authority To Declare That A Firefighter, Police Officer Or Emergency Medical Service Personnel Died In The Line Of Duty.

CT SB00319

An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study The Need For Adult Changing Stations In Public Facilities.

CT SB00439

An Act Concerning Compensation For Persons Who Are Wrongfully Incarcerated.

CT SB00279

An Act Concerning Certification For Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities And The Membership Of The Accessible Parking Advisory Council.

CT SB00344

An Act Concerning Certain Federal Veterans' Benefits And Income Eligibility Determinations For Certain Public Assistance Programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.