Connecticut House Bill HB05137

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/20
• Refer: 2/13/20
• Report Pass: 2/28/20

Caption

An Act Expanding The Property Tax Exemption For Certain Residential Renewable Energy Sources And Nonresidential Hydropower Facilities.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact state laws related to property taxation and the promotion of renewable energy. By expanding exemptions to cover a broader range of energy sources and use cases, it incentivizes property owners to invest in renewable energy solutions, thereby potentially increasing the uptake of such technologies statewide. The intent is to foster a culture of sustainability and economic growth within the renewable energy sector, which could also align with broader environmental goals.

Summary

House Bill 05137 aims to expand the property tax exemption for certain residential renewable energy sources and nonresidential hydropower facilities. The bill provides a framework for tax incentives to encourage the installation of renewable energy systems such as solar and geothermal energy sources. It seeks to revise Section 12-81 of the general statutes to include provisions governing the eligibility and application processes for exemptions on property taxes for installations that generate energy for residential and certain commercial purposes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05137 include concerns about the fiscal implications for local governments that could face reduced property tax revenue as a result of these exemptions. Critics may argue that while promoting renewable energy is essential, the financial burden shifted to localities might lead to funding shortfalls for critical public services. Additionally, there could be debates about the criteria for eligibility and whether certain energy installations should receive preferential treatment over others, especially in economically distressed municipalities.