VAIL OPPOSES NEW MOTOR VEHICLE TAX

HARTFORD – The House of Representatives convened for a Special Session on Thursday, June 27, to consider an ’emergency certified’ bill. It contained several components, including the restructuring of motor vehicle taxation. According to State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford), the public had no time to weigh-in on the bill before it was voted on.

“We are doing a disservice to our communities by voting on items that did not undergo the full vetting of the legislative process. The public had no chance to look at this bill, so any of the comments or questions they had weren’t raised on the floor today,” said Vail.

In addition to the contents of the bill language, Vail questioned if it rose to the level of being classified as an emergency.

“What’s the emergency? Many of these bills were concepts that had been proposed during our regular session law-making period. They didn’t solicit enough support to cross the finish line then, so its disingenuous to hand-pick a few of those dead bills, put them together, and force a vote on the entire package. There are other priorities we should be addressing,” said Vail.

The bill changes the method of assessment for motor vehicles from Fair Market Value (i.e., NADA – Blue Book) to MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price). Additionally, the depreciation schedule has been updated, increasing the taxable portion of each vehicle’s MSRP by five percentage points. As a result, the final tax bill on your motor vehicle could increase.

Vail also voiced concern that the South Central Regional Water Authority was granted the ability to bid on Aquarion. To date, no public hearing has been had on any possible acquisition or public utility change.

Despite Vail’s opposition, the bill was approved by a final tally of 81-42. It will now go to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

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