Posted on May 31, 2023
(HARTFORD) – On Tuesday evening, the Connecticut House of Representatives successfully passed a bill that would establish a task force to study the effects of unclaimed and abandoned property on homeowners and residents throughout the state. State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) celebrated the passing of House Bill 6551: An Act Requiring the Office Of Policy And Management To Establish A Working Group To Study The Impact Of Unclaimed Or Abandoned Real Property On Municipalities, which received unanimous bipartisan support.
Earlier this year, Ackert, who represents the 8th House Assembly District, acted upon this issue after visiting a constituent’s house in Coventry damaged by a tree from unclaimed. The owner, Dana Markie, was left responsible for the damages despite this being the second time a tree damaged his property. In February, Ackert proudly testified before the Planning and Development Committee in support of H.B. 6551 which swiftly made it out of committee, and now the House, on its way to the state Senate agenda.
State Representative Tim Ackert (R-8) said, “This issue hits home for me as I’ve personally seen concerned residents suffer damages from unclaimed property in the 8th district. This bill effectively creates a task force to study and define these unclaimed properties throughout our state so that we can proactively avoid conflict between homeowners and municipalities. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Planning and Development Committee and in the House for unanimously supporting this initiative and ultimately reducing any the potential of any future damages on owned property.”
For more information on this story, the bill, and Rep. Ackert’s leadership on this, or any other state issue, please visit RepAckert.com, or contact Tim.Ackert@housegop.ct.gov. Find the full NBC investigation HERE: https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/nbc-ct-responds/lawmaker-testifies-in-support-of-abandoned-land-bill-after-nbc-ct-responds-investigation/2979044/