The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 858, aims to amend the existing laws governing the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund. It establishes a separate nonlapsing fund to receive all state funds from the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe as per a joint memorandum of understanding. The bill specifies that for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, the state will transfer an amount equal to the appropriation for grants to towns from the funds received from the tribe to the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund. Additionally, starting from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, a fixed amount of $139,380,000 will be transferred from the General Fund to the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund, with provisions for the distribution of these funds to municipalities.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the grant distribution process for specific municipalities, ensuring that Ledyard and Montville receive up to $600,000 each if the state revokes taxation of non-Indian property on reservation land. The bill also includes provisions that prevent reductions in the transfers from the General Fund to the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund unless there is an emergency certification from the Governor and a two-thirds vote from both houses of the General Assembly. The overall intent of the bill is to restore the original purpose of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Fund to adequately support all towns.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 3-55i, 3-55j