Substitute Senate Bill No. 12 (sSB12) aims to enhance housing affordability and accessibility in Connecticut by establishing a working group to study barriers to building starter homes, defined as affordable single-family residences. This group will analyze factors such as zoning restrictions and building codes, and is required to submit a report by January 1, 2026. The bill also amends Section 10-285a of the general statutes to increase the percentage of school building project grant money available to local boards of education based on the municipality's affordable housing thresholds. Additionally, it authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue up to $50 million in bonds to finance projects that create employment opportunities in the construction industry while developing affordable housing, with a four-year pilot program ensuring that all housing remains affordable for at least 40 years.

The bill includes several provisions aimed at improving tenant protections and streamlining housing regulations. It prohibits certain clauses in rental agreements that could waive tenant rights, mandates the establishment of fair rent commissions in all municipalities by January 1, 2028, and allows for the conversion of commercial buildings into residential developments without the need to correct nonconforming uses. Furthermore, it introduces a pilot program under the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority to assist mortgage borrowers with unpaid student loan debt by providing potential interest rate reductions. Overall, sSB12 seeks to address various aspects of housing affordability, tenant rights, and support for first-time homebuyers and vulnerable populations in Connecticut.

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