Substitute House Bill No. 6957, also known as Public Act No. 25-73, introduces significant changes to municipal governance and inland wetlands agency training. The bill allows towns to designate themselves as cities through charter amendments, enhancing their authority over finances, property management, and contract execution. It mandates comprehensive training for inland wetlands agency members and staff, requiring completion of a program developed by the commissioner by January 1, 2027, and every four years thereafter. Additionally, the bill streamlines property assessment corrections, allowing assessors to issue certificates of correction for errors within a three-year timeframe, or four years if an ordinance is adopted, and updates the process for correcting clerical mistakes in tax assessments.

The bill also addresses property tax assessment and refund processes, requiring assessors to notify individuals of assessment increases due to corrections and allowing appeals with provisions for tax payments made "under protest." A task force is established to study the impact of corporate acquisitions of residential properties on housing affordability, with a report due by January 1, 2026. Furthermore, the bill enhances affordable housing development through new definitions of "inclusionary zoning" and regulations for solar power installations in common interest communities, including requirements for unit owners regarding liability insurance and maintenance responsibilities. Associations formed before January 1, 2026, can opt out of certain provisions by a 75% board vote by January 1, 2028, and the bill modifies the definition of the "capital region" while allowing the Millstone Ridge Tax District to apportion maintenance costs equally among lot owners starting October 1, 2025.

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
Public Act No. 25-73: 7-194, 12-60, 12-129, 8-2i, 47-257