Senate Bill No. 1314 introduces amendments to Section 7-191c of the general statutes, which currently restricts municipalities from modifying their charters regarding specific topics related to planning and zoning. The bill allows municipalities to increase voting thresholds to a two-thirds or less majority for decisions related to the initiation or completion of eminent domain processes and the disposition of municipal property. This change creates exceptions to the existing prohibition on charter amendments concerning voting requirements, public notice, and hearing requirements for these processes. Additionally, the bill maintains the existing ability for municipalities to amend regulations concerning planning and zoning commissions, provided they comply with state laws.

The bill also clarifies that municipalities with pre-existing voting requirements greater than a simple majority, established before July 1, 2023, can continue to enforce those requirements but cannot increase them beyond the newly allowed thresholds. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities, as it primarily modifies existing regulations without introducing new financial obligations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-191c
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-191c
File No. 700: 7-191c