Researcher: MK Page 1 4/22/21 OLR Bill Analysis HB 6466 AN ACT CONCERNING PROPERTY THAT IS EXEMPT FROM A JUDGMENT CREDITOR. SUMMARY By law, certain types and amounts of property, income, and assets are exempt from debt collection (i.e., attachment and post-judgement collections). The bill modifies this exemption by: 1. increasing the motor vehicle exemption from $3,500 to $7,000, which, under existing law and the bill, is determined by the vehicle’s fair market value minus all liens and security interests on it; 2. expanding the list of exemptions to include the cash surrender value of a state resident’s life insurance policy, unless the policy was (a) assigned to or effected for the creditor’s benefit or (b) purchased, sold, or transferred with the intent to defraud the creditor; 3. increasing the homestead exemption to $250,000, instead of $75,000 or, for money judgements for hospital services, $125,000, as under current law; and 4. limiting the homestead exemption to $75,000 for money judgements for claims of sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor, sexual assault, or other willful, wanton or reckless misconduct. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes. EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021 BACKGROUND Property Exempt From Execution 2021HB-06466-R000574-BA.DOCX Researcher: MK Page 2 4/22/21 In addition to certain automatically exempt funds, existing law allows a debtor to claim several exemptions, including for necessary apparel and food, necessary professional tools and books, burial plots, health and disability insurance payments, and any interest in any property up to $1,000 (CGS § 52-352b). COMMITTEE ACTION Judiciary Committee Joint Favorable Yea 36 Nay 1 (04/05/2021)