Raised Bill No. 1144 is a legislative proposal that seeks to amend existing laws related to the state's property acquisition and condemnation authority, specifically for the construction, operation, and maintenance of flood prevention, climate resilience, and erosion control systems. The bill allows the state to acquire real property through various means, including condemnation, and clarifies that property owners can challenge the compensation offered for their property, with some exceptions. It also provides for the creation of interim flood prevention, climate resilience, and erosion control boards by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection in municipalities that have not yet adopted relevant statutory provisions. The bill makes minor changes to the language in Sections 7-326 and 7-328 of the general statutes, including changing "and" to "or" to allow for more flexibility in addressing climate resilience or erosion control.

The bill further details the financial aspects of managing these systems, such as the assessment of costs for construction and maintenance on benefiting properties and the remainder from the general funds of the district. It includes provisions for districts to issue bonds, borrow money, and requires district clerks to notify town treasurers of decisions to borrow money. Additionally, the bill mandates that materials removed from waterways for flood prevention or erosion control be made available to municipalities or districts, and requires biannual reports from the boards on the systems managed, properties protected, and financial details. The bill aims to enhance the state's ability to address flood prevention, climate resilience, or erosion control issues by establishing the necessary legal framework for property acquisition and management of these systems.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-326, 7-328, 25-86, 25-87, 25-92, 25-94, 25-95