House Bill No. 5002, also known as Public Act No. 25-49, introduces comprehensive changes to housing regulations in Connecticut, focusing on enhancing affordable housing and addressing homelessness. The bill requires housing authorities to submit annual reports detailing housing inventories, construction projects, and rental price levels, while removing previous reporting requirements. It also revises zoning regulations to facilitate the development of middle housing on commercially zoned lots and mandates municipalities to prepare or amend affordable housing plans every five years. Key insertions include definitions for "affordable housing plan" and "priority affordable housing plan," while deletions include outdated provisions related to affordable housing planning. The bill aims to streamline processes and ensure local regulations align with state housing goals.

Additionally, the bill establishes new funding mechanisms and incentives for municipalities, particularly those designated as transit-oriented communities, to promote higher density development. It introduces a middle housing development grant program and outlines a framework for direct rental assistance managed by nonprofit providers. The bill also modifies tax treatment for first-time homebuyer savings accounts and pension income, providing tax relief to lower-income individuals. Furthermore, it enhances civil rights protections in housing by empowering the Attorney General to investigate unlawful practices and modifying the affordable housing appeals process. Overall, House Bill No. 5002 seeks to improve housing access, affordability, and stability while ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Statutes affected:
File No. 973: 8-68d, 8-3, 8-30j, 4-68ii, 4-66k, 12-701, 3-129g, 8-2o, 7-148b, 21-83, 29-195, 8-446a
Public Act No. 25-49: 8-68d, 8-3, 8-30j, 4-68ii, 4-66k, 12-701, 3-129g, 8-2o, 7-148b, 21-83, 29-195, 8-446a