Connecticut House Bill HB05310

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/20
• Refer: 2/26/20

Caption

An Act Eliminating State Recovery Of Public Assistance Except As Required Under Federal Law.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05310 will significantly impact the financial obligations of beneficiaries of state-funded programs. This change would alleviate the burden on individuals and families receiving assistance, allowing them more financial independence and security. The bill emphasizes that any recovery attempts by the state should align strictly with federal regulations, potentially protecting state beneficiaries from aggressive recovery practices that some local programs may have employed in the past.

Summary

House Bill 05310, known as 'An Act Eliminating State Recovery of Public Assistance Except as Required Under Federal Law', seeks to amend state legislation regarding the recovery of public assistance benefits. Under the proposed changes, the state of Connecticut would no longer recover cash or medical assistance from beneficiaries or their estates, except in situations where recovery is mandated by federal law. This means that individuals who receive public assistance will not have to repay the state for benefits received unless it's required by federal statutes.

Contention

The legislation is likely to evoke mixed responses among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the removal of state recovery from estates would support vulnerable populations more effectively by ensuring that survivors are not stripped of their inheritances or estate value due to past public assistance claims. Opponents might express concerns regarding potential impacts on the state's budget and its ability to fund public assistance programs, as reliance on recovery from estates can be a source of revenue for the state. Discussions surrounding the bill have already highlighted fears of an increased financial burden on state resources, should many beneficiaries discontinue repaying amounts previously owed.

Statement_of_purpose

The purpose of HB 05310 is to eliminate the state's recovery processes concerning public assistance benefits for the sake of protecting beneficiaries and ensuring that support remains available for those in need, as long as it is within the boundaries allowed by federal law.