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HB 5230

AN ACT EXEMPTING INCOME OF UP TO ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS EARNED BY A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-FOUR FROM INCLUSION IN THE PARENT'S GROSS INCOME FOR DETERMINATION OF THE PARENT'S ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Martha Marx and 2 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill excludes up to $100K annual child income from parental gross income calculations for rental assistance program eligibility.

PUBLIC HEARING 0224
#children #income #parents #rentalassistanceprograms
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5230

Legislative bill overview

HB 5230 would exclude up to $100,000 of annual income earned by children under age 24 from their parents' gross income calculations when determining eligibility for Connecticut's rental assistance program. Currently, all child income counts toward parental gross income, potentially disqualifying families from assistance even when parents have minimal earnings. This targeted exemption aims to help working families access rental support without penalty for their children's employment.

Why is this important

Rental assistance eligibility determinations directly affect housing stability for low-to-moderate income families. By excluding child earnings, the bill could allow families with working young adults to qualify for rental aid they might otherwise lose, potentially reducing housing instability. However, the $100,000 threshold is substantially higher than typical child earnings, raising questions about who would actually benefit and whether resources are targeted efficiently.

Potential points of contention

  • Income threshold concerns: The $100,000 exemption is far above median earnings for workers under 24, suggesting the bill may benefit families with higher-earning children rather than the lowest-income households most in need of rental assistance
  • Program cost implications: Expanded eligibility could increase program costs and demand, raising questions about adequate funding and whether resources should be prioritized differently
  • Fairness and precedent: Excluding specific income sources from means-tested programs creates complexity and may raise equity questions about why child income is treated differently than other household income types

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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