Connecticut Senate Bill SB00524

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Concerning Guidelines For Determining An Elderly Or Disabled Homeowner's Eligibility For Certain Tax Relief.

Impact

The passage of SB00524 is expected to create a more standardized approach in the assessment practices related to tax relief for elderly and disabled homeowners across the state. By establishing clear directives for assessors, the bill intends to minimize discrepancies in how eligibility is evaluated, promoting equitable treatment for all applicants. This change could lead to an increase in the number of elderly and disabled homeowners who qualify for tax relief, thus potentially aiding in reducing their financial burdens.

Summary

SB00524 aims to amend the existing section 12-170aa of the general statutes in Connecticut regarding tax relief for elderly or disabled homeowners. The bill mandates that local assessors comply with guidelines established by the Office of Policy and Management when determining a homeowner's eligibility for these tax benefits. The primary objective of the bill is to ensure consistency and fairness in the decision-making process regarding tax relief eligibility, thereby preventing any arbitrary denials that might occur under current guidelines.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the guidelines and the additional workload placed on local assessors. Some stakeholders may argue that strict adherence to proposed guidelines could limit assessors' discretion in unique cases that require individual consideration. There is a balance to be struck between ensuring uniformity and allowing for compassionate, case-by-case evaluations, thus raising potential discussion points among legislators, assessors, and advocacy groups.