Substitute House Bill No. 5507, Public Act No. 24-144, is an act that makes several amendments to the laws governing the Connecticut Siting Council and the processes related to electric transmission lines. The bill redefines "Modification" to include changes that require eminent domain or expand easements, and it alters the composition of the council to ensure public members have no recent affiliation with utilities or related facilities. It also increases municipal participation fees for facility applications, requires detailed information including environmental impact assessments, and mandates appraisals for fair compensation to property owners. The bill specifies the entities that must receive a copy of the application and outlines the public notification process, which includes notices to abutting property owners and electric distribution company customers. New legal language is inserted, and some existing language is deleted, such as the removal of the word "commission" and changes to section references.

The bill also introduces requirements for applicants to indicate if they plan to submit additional applications for connected facilities within five years and grants intervenor status to certain property owners. It details the council's decision-making process, including considerations for environmental impact and public need, and sets forth conditions for the installation of electric transmission lines, including life-cycle cost analysis and buffer zones for public health and safety. The bill establishes a presumption of public need for personal wireless service facilities and outlines conditions for granting certificates for various facilities, addressing neighborhood concerns and environmental justice issues. It also revises judicial review procedures, allows for the awarding of attorney's fees to municipalities, and includes provisions for enforcing civil penalties and compliance with certificates. Lastly, the bill mandates a comprehensive study of the council's operations and effectiveness, with a draft report due for public review and comment by November 30, 2024. The act is effective from October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-50l, 16-50q
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-50l, 16-50q, 16-50gg
File No. 493: 16-50l, 16-50q, 16-50gg
Public Act No. 24-144: 16-50j, 16-50l, 16-50n, 16-50p, 16-50q, 16-50s, 16-50u, 16-50gg