General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1267 proposes significant amendments to Section 8-39 of the Connecticut general statutes, focusing on the jurisdiction and operational scope of housing authorities. The bill introduces new definitions such as "area of operation," "eligible developer," and "expanded area of operation," allowing housing authorities to extend their jurisdiction beyond their original municipalities with the approval of neighboring municipalities. It also clarifies the roles of various entities involved in housing development, including "municipal developer" and "mortgage." The bill streamlines existing definitions by removing outdated references and replacing them with more precise language, particularly regarding "families of low income" and "families of low and moderate income." Additionally, the term "housing project" is redefined to include a broader range of activities related to low and moderate-income housing.

The legislation further establishes provisions for housing authority police officers, modifies eminent domain powers, and revises eligibility criteria for public housing rentals, allowing authorities to consider applicants' criminal histories. It also introduces tax exemptions for nonprofit housing organizations and updates definitions to ensure consistency throughout the statute. The bill aims to enhance support for housing initiatives targeting low and moderate-income families while ensuring compliance with updated legal standards. Key provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the bill includes various deletions and insertions to clarify and modernize the legal framework governing housing authorities and their operations in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-39, 8-40, 8-44b, 8-50, 8-45a, 8-389, 8-113a, 8-116d, 8-119h, 8-119l