House Bill No. 6534 seeks to modernize the legal framework for appointments to municipal housing authorities in Connecticut by redefining key terms and shifting the appointment authority from the chief executive officer (CEO) to the local legislative body. The bill updates the definition of "governing body" in section 8-39 to clarify that it refers to the legislative body of the municipality or the board of selectmen in towns with a town meeting. It also revises the definition of "tenant of the authority" in section 8-41 to include tenants living in housing owned or managed by a housing authority or those receiving direct housing assistance from the authority.

Additionally, the bill outlines the appointment process for commissioners, allowing the governing body to appoint five residents, with the possibility of two more if certain conditions are met. It establishes that commissioners' terms begin on the first day of the month following their appointment and mandates training for newly appointed commissioners. The bill also includes provisions for the appointment of a tenant commissioner and allows for the removal of commissioners for inefficiency, neglect, or misconduct. Furthermore, it replaces "chairman" with "chairperson" in relevant statutes and clarifies the roles of the housing authority, including the employment of a secretary as the executive director. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with no anticipated fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 8-41, 8-67
PD Joint Favorable: 8-41, 8-67
File No. 704: 8-41, 8-67