Substitute Bill No. 11 is a comprehensive legislative proposal aimed at enhancing climate resilience and sustainability in Connecticut's municipalities. The bill defines terms related to resiliency improvement districts and sets forth the process for establishing these districts, which are designed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support economic development. It allows municipalities to create these districts with the approval of their legislative bodies and requires the adoption of a district master plan. The plan must address various aspects, including risk reduction, economic development, housing opportunities, and improvements to the tax base. The bill also provides for the financial management of these districts, including the issuance of bonds, the establishment of a district master plan fund, and the annual certification of property values within the district.

The bill introduces new considerations for municipal plans of conservation and development, emphasizing the integration of climate change vulnerability assessments and the promotion of housing diversity. It mandates that municipal and regional plans include strategies for disaster risk reduction and prioritize funding for areas vulnerable to climate change. The bill also amends sections related to land use, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection, requiring municipalities to promote energy-efficient development and resilience. Furthermore, it expands the eligibility for grants under the protected open space and watershed land acquisition grant program and outlines the responsibilities of various state departments and agencies in incorporating climate change projections into their planning and regulatory processes. The bill also addresses the regulation of fossil fuel projects and proposes the creation of a climate resiliency fund supported by a surcharge on insurance policies.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 8-23, 25-68o, 7-364, 29-251, 29-256a, 8-2e, 28-5, 8-2f
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 8-23, 25-68o, 7-364, 29-251, 29-256a, 8-2e, 28-5, 8-2f
File No. 198: 8-23, 25-68o, 7-364, 29-251, 29-256a, 28-5, 8-2f
FIN Joint Favorable: 8-23, 25-68o, 7-364, 29-251, 29-256a, 8-2e, 28-5, 8-2f