House Bill No. 6534 seeks to revise the legal framework for appointments to municipal housing authorities in Connecticut by updating definitions and modifying the appointment process for commissioners. The bill replaces the existing 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 housing assistance directly from the authority.

Additionally, the bill transfers the authority to appoint commissioners from the chief executive officer (CEO) to the local legislative body, allowing for the appointment of five residents as commissioners, with the possibility of two additional appointments under certain conditions. 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 introduces technical changes, such as replacing "chairman" with "chairperson," and clarifies that commissioners serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, and the bill is not expected to have any 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