SB 212 creates a tax credit for individuals and groups purchasing long-term care insurance policies. It credits policyholders for any annual premium increase exceeding 2% of their total premium cost, allowing them to offset future tax liability with unused credits. This directly affects long-term care insurance buyers by reducing their out-of-pocket costs when premiums rise significantly. The credit is calculated annually and can be carried forward to offset taxes in subsequent years.
HB 5047 allocates $300,000 from the General Fund for the 2027 fiscal year to cover maintenance costs for helicopters used in statewide search and rescue operations. The funds are specifically designated for the New Milford Police Department’s helicopter fleet under the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. This bill provides direct financial support for maintaining critical aircraft used in emergency response across Connecticut. It does not change existing policies but ensures ongoing operational readiness for these life-saving services.
SB 182 would change how Connecticut taxes Social Security benefits. It proposes two options: either exempt all Social Security benefits from state income tax for every taxpayer, or adjust the income thresholds for tax deductions on these benefits annually based on changes in the consumer price index (inflation). This bill directly affects Connecticut residents who receive Social Security benefits and pay state income tax. The key change would reduce or eliminate the tax burden on these benefits for qualifying individuals.
SB 17 appropriates $1.5 million to fund the removal of harmful chemicals (PFAS) from fire trucks and equipment. It provides grants to municipalities, independent fire companies, and state agencies for this purpose, including reimbursement for removal work completed before July 1, 2023. The funding is allocated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year through the Department of Emergency Services. This bill directly affects local fire departments and state emergency services by covering costs associated with replacing PFAS-containing equipment.
HB 5024 eliminates a 1% sales tax on meals sold by restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores in Connecticut. The bill amends state law to remove this additional tax from the standard sales tax rate applied to qualifying food purchases. This change directly affects businesses operating as eating establishments, caterers, or grocery stores that sell prepared meals. The legislation aims to reduce the tax burden on these specific food service providers by removing the separate 1% surcharge. The bill is currently under review by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.
SB 45 adjusts sales tax rules for certain vehicles by raising the price threshold for the higher tax rate from $75,000 to over $75,000. It also removes the higher tax rate entirely for commercial vehicles (like delivery trucks or company vans). This change directly affects buyers of expensive personal vehicles (over $75,000) and commercial fleet operators. The bill modifies Chapter 219 of the general statutes to implement these tax adjustments. It does not change tax rates for standard vehicles below the new threshold.
SB 33 establishes the "Learn Here, Live Here" program, requiring the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development to create it with an annual budget of up to $5 million. The program targets individuals with an annual federal adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. Key provisions include setting a funding cap of $5 million per year and restricting eligibility to low-income residents based on income thresholds. This bill directly affects qualifying low-income residents seeking housing support within the state.
HB 5176 allocates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for fiscal year 2027. This funding provides a grant-in-aid directly to the Spanish Community of Wallingford. The bill specifies the funds must support education, public health, social services, and job training programs within that community. The appropriation is targeted for the 2027 fiscal year and requires the Department of Social Services to administer the grant.
This bill exempts the purchase of COVID-19 at-home test kits from state sales and use taxes. It directly affects consumers who buy these kits for personal use, removing the tax burden on these specific products. The key provision amends tax law to exclude these kits from taxable sales, meaning buyers pay no state tax when purchasing them. The exemption applies to both the sale and any subsequent use or consumption of the kits within the state.
SB 70 would exempt all Social Security benefits and pension or annuity income from state personal income tax for every taxpayer. This policy change directly affects residents receiving these income types, removing them from the taxable base. The bill amends Section 12-701 of the general statutes to implement this universal exemption. It creates a concrete tax relief measure without altering other income tax provisions.
