Connecticut Senate Bill SB00118

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/20
• Refer: 2/13/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Fees Received By The Department Of Motor Vehicles For Commemorative License Plates.

Impact

By mandating that the fees collected for commemorative plates be used for their designated purpose, SB00118 significantly impacts how funds are managed within the DMV. The bill ensures that these fees contribute directly to the causes promoted by the commemorative plates, which may include specific charities or awareness campaigns. Consequently, it reinforces dedicated funding streams that align with public interests and initiatives connected to the themes of the plates, improving accountability in state financial practices.

Summary

SB00118 aims to amend chapter 246 of the general statutes concerning the fees collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for commemorative license plates. The primary purpose of this bill is to ensure that the funds generated from the issuance of these plates are allocated exclusively for the intended purpose of each respective commemorative plate, rather than being diverted into the state's General Fund. This legislative change is driven by a desire to enhance transparency and ensure that specific causes associated with commemorative plates receive the financial support they warrant.

Contention

While the bill has the support of various advocacy groups advocating for the causes recognized by the commemorative plates, there are concerns regarding the potential impact on the state budget. Opponents argue that diverting funds from the General Fund could strain state resources, especially if the fees are substantial. Furthermore, there is a discussion about whether allocating these fees directly to specific causes is the best use of state resources or whether it might limit the flexibility needed to address broader budgeting priorities during fiscal challenges. This contention highlights the ongoing balance between dedicated funding and the need for general revenue flexibility.