Section 14-164c-11b - Guidelines for waiver due to economic hardship(a) As used in this section, "waiver" means an extension of the period of time, not to exceed the period of inspection frequency for a motor vehicle in accordance with the schedule established by the commissioner, for attaining compliance with the applicable emissions standards for a motor vehicle.(b) An extension of time, not to exceed the period of inspection frequency, may be granted to obtain needed repairs on a vehicle in the case of economic hardship of the owner when waiver requirements have not been met. Only one such extension may be granted for any vehicle. The commissioner shall provide a procedure for an applicant to request an extension of time, and the commissioner shall make a notation on the records of the department that such extension has been granted. Economic hardship shall be determined in individual cases in accordance with guidelines in regulations adopted by the commissioner, and shall include consideration of the applicant's employment status and ability to pay, including but not limited to receipt of public assistance, food-stamps, aid for dependent children, utilities assistance, Medicaid, Connpace, or similar programs of assistance from government agencies.(c) As used in this section, the following guidelines shall apply to all applications for a waiver of emissions compliance for economic hardship: (1) Employment status: The applicant shall submit an affidavit on a form prescribed by the commissioner that he or she is not gainfully employed, or if employed, the applicant's annual income is at or below the poverty level as established by state and federal guidelines.(2) Assistance status: The applicant shall submit satisfactory evidence as to all governmental and utility assistance programs of which the applicant is a beneficiary, and as to the level of benefits received in each such program.(3) Other requirements: The applicant shall attest to the fact that he or she has no other assets that can be used for the needed repairs of the failed vehicle.(d) Each application for a waiver for economic hardship, together with all supporting documentation, shall be fairly reviewed and considered. All such information submitted to the commissioner shall be maintained on a confidential basis and shall be used by the commissioner solely for the purposes of this section, except to the extent that disclosure of the information, in whole or in part, may be required by law. A decision of the commissioner to deny any such application shall not be subject to further review or proceedings, absent a showing of changed conditions or extraordinary circumstances.(e) Each applicant granted a waiver shall notify the commissioner in a timely manner of any change in his or her financial condition which would make such person ineligible for a waiver due to economic hardship. The commissioner may revoke any waiver that has been granted if he becomes aware of any facts to indicate that the person granted the waiver no longer has a sufficient hardship.Conn. Agencies Regs. § 14-164c-11b
Adopted effective October 27, 2000; Amended May 28, 2004