Connecticut House Bill HB05516

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/21
• Refer: 1/26/21

Caption

An Act Phasing Out The Passport To The Parks Motor Vehicle Registration Fee And Implementing Other Park User Fees.

Impact

This bill will directly impact the general statutes related to park funding in the state. By transitioning from a flat registration fee to variable fees for park visitors, the legislation seeks to align funding with actual usage. This could lead to increased revenues for state parks, allowing better maintenance and enhancement of recreational facilities. However, the proposed changes may disproportionately affect frequent users of the parks, who may find the costs of multiple visits less favorable compared to the previous flat fee model.

Summary

House Bill 5516 proposes to phase out the Passport to the Parks motor vehicle registration fee over a period of three years. This fee currently allows vehicle owners to access state parks and forests without paying individual entrance fees. In its place, the bill aims to implement new fees that will be charged to visitors of these state parks and forests. The intent behind this legislation is to create a more sustainable funding mechanism for park maintenance and improvements, as the Passport fee has been criticized for not providing sufficient revenue to meet the growing demands on park services.

Contention

Discussion around HB 5516 has highlighted concerns regarding the potential financial burden on families and individuals who frequently visit state parks. Opponents of the bill argue that implementing user fees could diminish access to these public resources, particularly for low-income residents. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that the previous registration model was outdated and does not reflect the current needs of state park management. The transition to a fee structure based on usage is centered on promoting more equitable contributions towards the upkeep of state parks.