Connecticut Senate Bill SJ00010

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/19
• Refer: 1/22/19

Caption

Resolution Proposing A Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting The Imposition Of Retroactive Taxes.

Impact

If passed, this constitutional amendment would significantly affect state tax policy and financial regulations by creating a legal barrier against the retroactive collection of taxes. Currently, there might be instances where new tax laws could apply retroactively, which could lead to confusion and unintended financial burdens for taxpayers. This amendment would clarify that future taxes cannot be applied to past periods, providing a layer of protection for constituents.

Summary

SJ00010, also known as the Resolution Proposing a Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting the Imposition of Retroactive Taxes, seeks to amend the state constitution to explicitly prevent the General Assembly from authorizing any tax increases or imposing new taxes that would take effect retroactively. The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure that taxpayers are informed in advance of any changes to tax laws, thus preventing unforeseen financial impacts resulting from retroactive tax measures.

Contention

The bill, while generally supported by those advocating for taxpayer rights and transparency in tax governance, may face opposition from legislators who believe that restricting retroactive taxation could limit the state's financial flexibility. Critics might argue that such a limitation could hinder the state’s ability to respond to urgent financial needs or obligations that could arise unexpectedly, thus potentially affecting state revenue in critical situations.