Substitute Senate Bill No. 198 introduces changes to the Connecticut Siting Council's composition and procedures, effective October 1, 2024. The bill adds a new subsection (d) that requires the inclusion of a nonvoting elector from the municipality where a proposed facility is to be located in any proceeding after the effective date. This elector is appointed by the chief elected official of the municipality or by the regional council of governments if the facility spans multiple municipalities. The bill also adjusts the compensation for public members, including the chairman and certain appointed members, to a rate of two hundred dollars for attending public hearings, executive sessions, or other council business, with a daily cap of two hundred dollars. It allows for the appointment of necessary staff and exempts the executive director of the council from classified service.

The bill also amends notification procedures for applications for certain facilities, requiring that a copy of the application and notice of the filing date be served on the chief executive officer of each affected municipality, as well as notifying various commissions, the Attorney General, state legislators, federal agencies, state departments, and other designated bodies. The public must be informed through a published summary of the application in at least ten-point type. For high voltage electric transmission lines, additional notice requirements are specified, including sending notices to abutting property owners and electric distribution company customers in the municipality where the facility is proposed. The fiscal impact statement indicates costs of less than $10,000 for FY 25 and FY 26 for the Siting Council due to compensating additional representatives. The bill also includes technical and conforming changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-50j
ENV Joint Favorable: 16-50j
File No. 184: 16-50j