Connecticut House Bill HB05317

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/16/25

Caption

An Act Limiting The Passport To The Parks Motor Vehicle Registration Fee To One Vehicle Per Household.

Impact

If enacted, this bill could significantly alter the financial obligation households currently face concerning the Passport to the Parks fee. By capping the fee at one vehicle per household, families with multiple vehicles would experience a reduction in their total fees. This change could encourage more families to register their vehicles and utilize state parks, promoting outdoor activity and local tourism while alleviating some financial burden on households.

Summary

House Bill 05317 seeks to amend section 14-49b of the general statutes concerning the Passport to the Parks motor vehicle registration fee. The proposed change limits the assessment of this fee to one charge per household, irrespective of the number of vehicles owned by that household. The bill is presented as a measure to provide financial relief to vehicle registrants, aligning the fee with the common household's vehicle ownership.

Contention

While the intent behind HB 05317 is to offer savings to families, it may also lead to discussions regarding revenue generation for state parks. With fewer fees collected per household, there could be a potential impact on park funding and maintenance budgets. As such, stakeholders may express concern over whether the bill strikes a proper balance between providing taxpayer benefits and ensuring that state park systems remain adequately funded and maintained for public enjoyment.