Connecticut House Bill HB06806

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/23
• Refer: 2/24/23
• Report Pass: 3/19/23
• Refer: 3/28/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Engrossed: 6/2/23
• Report Pass: 6/2/23

Caption

An Act Authorizing The Deferral Of A Property Revaluation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06806 will modify existing state laws that govern property revaluations, specifically the provisions outlined in section 12-62 of the general statutes. This change can alleviate financial pressures on the communities that might face difficulties due to unexpected market fluctuations or operational challenges in conducting timely property assessments. The bill supports local autonomy by allowing cities greater control over the timing of their revaluation processes, potentially leading to fairer and more accurate tax assessments for property owners within those jurisdictions.

Summary

House Bill 06806 aims to authorize certain municipalities, specifically Wethersfield, Middletown, and Stamford, to defer previously mandated property revaluations until the assessment year commencing October 1, 2024. This deferral is permissible only if approved by the respective legislative bodies of these municipalities. The bill is designed to provide local governments with additional flexibility in managing their property tax evaluation processes, especially in circumstances where immediate revaluations may be impractical or challenging.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 06806 appears to be largely supportive among local officials who are keen on maintaining the flexibility to adjust their property assessment timelines. Proponents argue that this bill is a practical response to the realities of local governance and economic conditions. Conversely, critics may express concerns regarding the implications of delayed revaluations on funding for public services, as property taxes play a crucial role in municipal revenues. Nonetheless, the unanimous support reflected in the voting history indicates a general agreement among legislators on the necessity of this measure.

Contention

There appeared to be minimal contention surrounding the passage of HB 06806, as evidenced by the unanimous vote in favor of the bill. However, discussions may arise regarding the long-term effects of such deferrals on property tax equity across municipalities, especially if some communities defer while others proceed with timely valuations. A potential point of concern could involve ensuring that deferred revaluations do not inadvertently shift tax burdens among residents or impact funding for local services that rely heavily on property tax revenues.