House Bill No. 5524 is a comprehensive legislative proposal that addresses a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on the issuance of state bonds for various projects, the establishment and funding of educational programs, and the regulation of cannabis cultivation and sales. The bill authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue bonds for projects such as school building renovations, environmental initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. It also outlines the creation of grant programs for youth sports and climate resiliency, as well as the establishment of funds for substance abuse services and cannabis industry regulation.

The bill includes numerous amendments to existing laws, such as changes to the tax credit system for historic home rehabilitation, the establishment of a Social Equity Council to promote equity in the cannabis industry, and the implementation of a photo noise violation monitoring system for motor vehicles. It also addresses school infrastructure by mandating solar feasibility assessments for new school building projects and establishing a grant program for HVAC system improvements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for the reconsideration of previously denied grant applications for school air quality improvements and specifies the use of bond proceeds for such projects. It also amends the criteria for increased state reimbursement percentages for school building projects that include space for early childhood care and education programs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the selection process for construction management services for school building projects, updates the requirements for construction managers, and sets deadlines for submitting final grant applications and notices of project completion. It also provides exceptions to the general statutes for certain towns regarding the bidding and grant application processes for school building projects, allowing for deviations from standard reimbursement rates and eligibility for grants.

Lastly, the bill repeals several sections of the general statutes and instructs the Legislative Commissioners' Office to make necessary technical changes to the act. The bill was approved on June 6, 2024.

Statutes affected:
New Bill: 12-204, 12-705, 12-91, 7-323a, 7-439f, 12-263x, 12-311, 12-117a, 32-7s, 5-206, 10-283, 10-283a, 10-285c, 10-286e, 10-287c, 10-287e, 10-292v, 10-66i, 16-243ee
Public Act No. 24-151: 12-204, 12-705, 12-91, 7-323a, 7-439f, 12-263x, 12-311, 12-117a, 32-7s, 5-206, 10-283, 10-283a, 10-285c, 10-286e, 10-287c, 10-287e, 10-292v, 10-66i, 16-243ee