Substitute House Bill No. 6957 proposes significant amendments to existing laws, primarily allowing towns to designate themselves as cities through charter amendments, thereby classifying them as consolidated towns and cities under state law. The bill repeals and replaces Section 7-194 of the general statutes, granting municipalities the authority to manage their finances, regulate property transactions, and execute contracts. It also introduces new regulations for inland wetlands agencies, requiring comprehensive training for all members and staff by January 1, 2026, and establishes a task force to study the impact of large corporate acquisitions of residential properties on housing affordability. Additionally, the bill enhances transparency in property tax assessments by mandating timely notifications to property owners regarding assessment corrections and appeals.

Furthermore, the bill expands the use of housing trust funds to include property acquisition for affordable housing and clarifies regulations for common interest communities, particularly regarding solar panel installations. It prohibits unreasonable restrictions on solar systems and outlines responsibilities for associations and unit owners concerning maintenance and compliance. The bill also allows associations formed before January 1, 2026, to opt out of certain solar panel provisions with a 75% board vote. Other notable changes include extending the timeframe for tax refund applications and narrowing the operational region of the Capital Region Development Authority. Overall, the bill aims to enhance municipal governance, promote affordable housing, and streamline property tax administration while ensuring fair practices within housing associations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-101
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-101
File No. 354: 7-101
File No. 906: 7-194, 12-60, 12-129, 8-2i, 47-257