Connecticut House Bill HB05401

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20

Caption

An Act Concerning A Property Tax Exemption For Gold Star Parents And Surviving Spouses.

Impact

The bill is set to have a significant impact on state laws regarding property taxation as it directly prescribes the level of exemption municipalities must offer to eligible residents. The requirement that municipalities provide this exemption could lead to a reassessment of local budgets, potentially increasing the financial responsibility for those that choose to comply. The bill's provisions will likely standardize practices across the state, ensuring similar impacts on Gold Star families regardless of their municipality of residence.

Summary

House Bill 5401 seeks to provide a property tax exemption for Gold Star parents and surviving spouses of individuals killed in action while serving in the military. This bill mandates that every municipality must offer this exemption, which is contingent upon the qualifying income of the parent or surviving spouse. The exemption amount will be either up to $20,000 or 10% of the assessed property value, whichever is greater. This initiative aims to honor and support families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country by easing their financial burden through property tax relief.

Contention

While the bill has generous intentions, there may be contention surrounding its implementation, especially concerning how municipalities manage the financial implications of the mandated exemptions. Local governments may express concern about their ability to absorb the potential loss of revenue due to these exemptions, especially in communities with already strained budgets. Additionally, questions may arise over the fairness of the income qualification limits and whether they adequately reflect the needs of Gold Star families.