Connecticut House Bill HB05419

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/22/21
• Refer: 3/23/21
• Report Pass: 3/24/21
• Refer: 4/6/21
• Report Pass: 4/13/21
• Refer: 4/26/21
• Report Pass: 5/3/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Federal Clean Air Act Fee On Motor Vehicle Registrations.

Impact

The implementation of HB 5419 will have significant ramifications for state laws regarding motor vehicle registrations, particularly in how fees are allocated. Collected fees will be divided, with fifty-seven and a half percent directed to the Special Transportation Fund and forty-two and a half percent towards a newly established federal Clean Air Act account. This allocation is designed to facilitate improved air quality measures and strategic actions for reducing carbon emissions across the state.

Summary

House Bill 5419, titled 'An Act Concerning The Federal Clean Air Act Fee On Motor Vehicle Registrations', aims to introduce a fee associated with motor vehicle registrations to support the initiatives laid out by the federal Clean Air Act. The proposed fee structure entails a payment of fifteen dollars for triennial registrations, ten dollars for biennial, and five dollars for annual registrations. Importantly, this fee is intended to supplement existing fees rather than replace them, thereby contributing to additional funding streams for environmental initiatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 5419 is largely positive among supporters who view the bill as a proactive step towards enhancing environmental protections and promoting funding for transportation improvements. Proponents argue that this bill will not only align state practices with federal environmental goals but also create a dedicated revenue stream for critical air quality initiatives. However, concerns have been raised by a faction of critics who fear additional financial burdens on vehicle owners and potential negative impacts on low-income constituents.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the fairness of imposing additional fees on vehicle registrations, which some argue could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families already facing economic challenges. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate about whether the revenue generated will be effectively utilized for its intended purpose—reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality—versus being diverted to other governmental uses. These discussions highlight broader tensions between environmental policy initiatives and public fiscal responsibilities.