Planning and Development Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6643
AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL TAXATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Title: AND THE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY TAX WAIVER.
Vote Date: 3/31/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/22/2021
File No.: 548
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.
This bill allows municipalities to offer programs for the deferment of tax and certain other
payments, lower interest on such payments, and to waive any property tax due in an amount
of less than one hundred dollars. This bill was proposed to address issues that arose during
the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw residents have difficulties making payments to
municipalities.
***Proposed substitute language. Language change is to Strike lines 13-17 (the entirety of
Section 1(b)) of the underlying bill, and also strike the word eligible in line 8.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None expressed.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Representative Christie Carpino, 32nd Dist. Representative Carpino submitted testimony in
support of her proposed bill, stating that it will allow residents additional time to pay tax and
certain other payments if the municipality decides to offer that option. She notes that
municipalities may opt to use this option every year, offer it only in years where need is
present, or not at all. She concludes by stating that "this proposal is an opportunity for
members of the General Assembly to act and provide this tool should communities need to
use it."
Nora Duncan, State Director, AARP Connecticut. Ms. Duncan submitted testimony in support
of HB-6643, stating that the flexibility offered in this policy change could make a tremendous
difference for people on fixed incomes, low income families, and families finding themselves
facing unanticipated financial challenges. She noted that this bill is an important step in
making the state more livable not just for older residents, but for all families.
Enzo Faienza, Mayor, Town of Cromwell. Mayor Faienza submitted written testimony stating
that municipalities should have the flexibility to provide assistance programs to their
residents.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Betsy Gara, Executive Director, Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST). Ms. Gara
submitted testimony in opposition to the bill, stating that "Although COST recognizes that this
bill, as drafted, provides towns with the option to defer or reduce the interest rate on
delinquent taxes and other payments, we are concerned that this option will become a de
facto mandate and undermine tax collection efforts."
Elizabeth Gara, Executive Director, Connecticut Water Works Association. Ms. Gara's written
testimony noted that municipal water departments rely on revenues from debt collection and
that CWWA is opposed to this bill because deferred payment or reduced interest rates will
"hinder revenue collection."
Randy Collins, Advocacy Manager, CT Council of Municipalities (CCM). CCM submitted
written testimony in opposition to HB-6643, stating that the timely payment of taxes and
imposition of penalties and interest is critical to the ability of municipalities to meet their
financial obligations.
Reported by: Erica Byrne Date: 4/20/2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-6643


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-144c
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 12-144c
File No. 548: 12-144c
File No. 754: 12-144c
Public Act No. 21-73: 12-144c