Connecticut House Bill HB07347

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/19
• Refer: 3/12/19

Caption

An Act Exempting Senior Citizens And Veterans From The Passport To The Parks Motor Vehicle Registration Fee.

Impact

If enacted, HB 7347 would modify Section 14-49b of the general statutes, a change that could have implications for state revenue derived from motor vehicle registrations. The collected fees currently contribute to both the Special Transportation Fund and the General Fund, and removing these fees for senior citizens and veterans may reduce available funding for transportation and park programs. However, supporters argue that the social benefits of increased park access for these populations outweigh the potential financial drawbacks.

Summary

House Bill 7347 proposes to exempt senior citizens aged 65 and older, as well as veterans, from the 'Passport to the Parks' motor vehicle registration fee. This bill aims to support these groups by alleviating some financial burdens associated with vehicle registration, encouraging greater access to state parks and recreational areas. Currently, the registration process entails a fee of ten dollars biennially or five dollars annually for different vehicle types, which this bill seeks to eliminate for qualifying individuals.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to provide significant benefits to senior citizens and veterans, there could be points of contention regarding the funding sources that will be affected by the removal of these fees. Some legislators may argue that budgetary constraints necessitate finding alternative revenue streams to support park programs or transportation initiatives. Critics might also question whether the exemption could create administrative challenges in effectively implementing these changes, particularly regarding eligibility verification.