An Act Eliminating The Healthy Homes Fund Surcharge.
Summary
SB 340 would amend section 38a-331 of the general statutes to eliminate the surcharge that certain homeowners insurance policyholders currently pay into the Healthy Homes Fund. In practical terms, the bill removes the statutory requirement that insureds under specified homeowners policies contribute this added charge, thereby ending the collection of that surcharge going forward if enacted.
The measure is narrow and targeted: it does not create a new program or change insurance coverage terms, but instead repeals a funding mechanism tied to the Healthy Homes Fund. Because the bill focuses on a single surcharge provision, its effect would be felt primarily by homeowners insurance policyholders subject to the charge and by the state program or fund that receives the revenue.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly amend Connecticut insurance law by removing the surcharge requirement in section 38a-331. That would reduce costs for affected homeowners insurance insureds and likely decrease revenue flowing into the Healthy Homes Fund, potentially affecting any state activities or programs financed by that surcharge. The bill would not otherwise alter broader homeowners insurance regulation, but it would change the statutory funding structure associated with the existing surcharge.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment to assess. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears fiscally consumer-friendly from the perspective of policyholders because it eliminates an added insurance charge, while likely being viewed less favorably by those who support the Healthy Homes Fund or rely on its revenue. Overall, the available record does not show formal support or opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether eliminating the surcharge is appropriate given the revenue it provides to the Healthy Homes Fund. Supporters would likely emphasize lower homeowners insurance costs and relief for insureds, while opponents may argue that removing the surcharge would undermine funding for housing- or health-related initiatives supported by the fund. Because no transcripts or votes are available, the specific stakeholders taking those positions are not identified in the record provided.