Senate Bill No. 1314 amends Section 7-191c of the general statutes to create exceptions to the existing prohibition against municipalities modifying their charters on specific topics related to planning and zoning. The bill allows municipalities to increase voting thresholds to a two-thirds or less majority for decisions regarding the initiation or completion of eminent domain processes and the disposition of municipal property. This is in addition to existing provisions that permit municipalities to maintain or reduce voting requirements established before July 1, 2023, as long as they do not fall below a simple majority.

The bill also clarifies that municipalities may amend their charters to establish the composition of planning and zoning commissions, provided they comply with existing laws. It retains the prohibition against modifying regulations concerning the filing of petitions with local legislative bodies or zoning boards of appeals, as well as regulations governing planning and zoning commissions, except for the newly allowed amendments. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025. Overall, the bill does not have any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

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