General Law Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-263
AN ACT CONCERNING CLUB PERMIT AND NONPROFIT CLUB PERMIT
Title: FEES.
Vote Date: 2/2/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 1/28/2021
File No.: 6
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
General Law Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
In July,2020 there was a substantial increase for permit holders under club permit/nonprofit
club permit to $2,000. This bill will give financial relief to those who previously held this club
permit/nonprofit club permit at a much lower permit fee.
The fee will be reduced from $2,000 to $815; anyone who paid the higher fee will receive a
refund if they paid in excess of $815.00
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Berdon, Peter A,, Berdon, Young, & Margolis, P.C., Attorneys and Counselors at Law
Mr Berdon wrote in support of this bill with an amendment to include manufacturers of beer
and beer pubs. His request is written in detail in this testimony.
Ferraro, Charles J. Representative, State of CT, House of Representatives
The increased fee to $2,000.00 would cause many of these non-profits/club owners to shutter
their doors. Many of these non-profits contribute to their communities and provide much
needed charity work.
Flowers, Thomas C., Chief Master Sargeant, US Air Force, Retired, Chairman,
Legislative Affairs, The American Legion, Department of CT
The American Legion exists to serve out veterans, their family members, and their direct
descendants of eligible wars. We sponsor many community programs. We believe that
SB263 appropriately classifies our lounges and the $815.00 is an appropriate charge for the
permit.
Formica, Paul R. Senator, State of Connecticut, Senate
Senator Formica supports this bill, however would like the fee to be reduced further. The fee
increased to $2,000 in 2020 was between double and quadruple that these clubs/non-profits
were charged. Small operations whose bottom lines could be made or broken y the
difference in these permitting fees.
Hansen, Jr. Harry R., Department Adjunct, American Legion, Department of CT
Most of the members of the American Legion are Post members. Legion Posts are not
operated for a profit. The canteens are often places members can have a place to go and
socialize with fellow veterans, share stories and talk about veteran issues in an environment
that they feel safe. Almost all posts are operating on tight budgets and one has sold their
post home. Please support SB263.
House Republican Office, State of Connecticut
A similar bill was proposed by the House Republican Caucus HB5891 on this issue. This
committee bill goes one step further and asks for restitution for those clubs that have already
paid the $2,000.00 and the House Republican office whole heartedly supports this addition.
This bill has broad support from both sides and we appreciate a fast track to having this bill
sent to the floor for a vote.
Murray, Charlie, USSVI-Groton BaseTreasurer/Secretary
We support this bill; but would like the fee to be returned to the original charge of $400.00.
We are not a business, but a place where veterans can go to meet and socialize. The $2,000
has many thinking they may have to close their doors. Please support this bill with the
above change.
Ricard, Steven, USSVI-Groton Base Membership Chair, First and Finest
We are asking you support this bill; but return the fee to the $400.00. Though we could
make the $815.00 If necessary, the increase would be difficult due to the restrictions and
closing from COVID-19. Veteran's organizations like ours currently have very little income
coming in. Please support this bill at the $400.00 fee.
Sabio, James, President, Connecticut Elks Association
The Elks works with many volunteers and has very few employees. We do have overhead,
which includes buildings and property taxes. The lodges of CT for the year ending March
31, 2020 donated in cash and in-kind donations $600,000. The CT Elks strongly believes
that this $2,000 should be eliminated for all non-profit organizations current or in the future.
Sampson, Rob, State Senator, State of Connecticut, Senate
This bill is supported as it will reduce the cost for these local public, private and non-profit
clubs in the State of CT. The cost increase has put many of these businesses in jeopardy of
closing or drastically alter their business their business activities. We in CT should at this
time foster a business environment.
Page 2 of 3 SB-263
Somers, Heather, Senator, State of Connecticut, Senate
Senator Somers supports this bill. This bill addresses concerns that I have been hearing from
my constituents. In Eastern Connecticut, there are several clubs which are made up of
community -minded veterans who have served our nation with honor. These clubs are
already having difficulty making ends meet. The social and supportive network many of our
citizens rely on should not be lost, as well as their historical implications.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Bonnie Gray, Asst. Clerk Date: 03/01/2021
Page 3 of 3 SB-263


Statutes affected:
File No. 636: 30-23a, 30-1, 30-38
Public Act No. 21-10: 30-23a, 30-1, 30-38