Connecticut House Bill HB05022

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/20
• Refer: 2/7/20

Caption

An Act Exempting Senior Citizens From The Passport To The Parks Motor Vehicle Registration Fee.

Impact

If enacted, the bill could significantly modify how senior citizens interact with state parks and manage costs related to visiting these recreational areas. It could encourage greater utilization of state parks among older adults, allowing them to enjoy nature and recreational facilities without the added worry of fees that may otherwise restrict their participation. This could foster a more active, engaged, and healthier lifestyle for senior citizens, promoting community engagement.

Summary

House Bill 05022 proposes to amend existing laws to exempt senior citizens from paying the Passport to the Parks motor vehicle registration fee. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that seniors face, especially in relation to recreational activities provided by state parks. The bill emphasizes the importance of accessibility for senior citizens to participate in outdoor and community engagements without additional costs associated with vehicle registrations to utilize park facilities.

Contention

While the intentions behind HB05022 are largely positive, discussions surrounding the bill may raise questions regarding fiscal impacts on state funding for park maintenance and operations, as the fees collected from registrations potentially contribute to funding. Critics may express concerns about how this exemption could affect the state’s budget and whether the loss of fee revenue would necessitate budget adjustments or additional funding measures in other areas. Entities supporting the bill, however, would likely argue that the benefit to senior citizens outweighs these potential financial implications.