The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 12 aims to address Connecticut's housing challenges by establishing a working group tasked with studying barriers to the construction of starter homes, which are defined as affordable single-family residential dwellings. This group will consist of key stakeholders, including the chairpersons of the housing committee and the Commissioner of Housing, and is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026. The bill also amends existing statutes to enhance funding for school building projects in municipalities that meet certain affordable housing thresholds, proposing a five-year increase in grant money based on the percentage of affordable housing. Additionally, it authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue up to $50 million in bonds for affordable housing development projects and establishes a four-year pilot program to fund such initiatives, with a requirement for a report on its effectiveness.

Furthermore, the bill introduces significant changes to rental agreements and housing regulations, prohibiting clauses that waive tenant rights or limit landlord liability, and ensuring gender-neutral language by replacing "his" with "such tenant's." It mandates the creation of fair rent commissions in all municipalities and facilitates the conversion of commercial buildings into residential units without requiring corrections of nonconforming uses. The bill also sets new eligibility criteria for rental assistance programs, targeting individuals with low income and significant student loan debt, while appropriating funds to enhance rental assistance for elderly or disabled individuals and families in the Head Start program. Effective July 1, 2025, it allocates funds to increase rental assistance certificates, reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving housing assistance in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 10-285a, 7-148b
HSG Joint Favorable: 10-285a, 7-148b
File No. 251: 10-285a, 7-148b
FIN Joint Favorable: 10-285a, 7-148b
APP Joint Favorable: 10-285a, 7-148b