Substitute House Bill No. 6944 requires municipalities to develop and submit an affordable housing plan every five years, with the first submission due by July 1, 2025. The bill introduces new definitions such as "affordable housing plan," "affordable housing unit," and "discretionary funding," and mandates that municipalities in the top eighty percent of net equalized per capita grand list income create a priority affordable housing plan. This plan must include specific targets for affordable units, including twenty percent for very low-income households and a minimum of two bedrooms in a significant portion of the units. The bill also removes the previous requirement for municipalities to improve accessibility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The bill establishes a structured approval process for these plans, requiring the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to approve or reject applications within ninety days, with a written explanation for any decision. If the Secretary does not act within this timeframe, the application is provisionally approved. Additionally, municipalities must submit applications for amended zoning and policies within twelve months of their plan approval. The bill allows interested parties, such as nonprofits and housing developers, to challenge the conformity of approved plans in Superior Court, placing the burden of proof on the Secretary. It also mandates that OPM update affordable housing estimates and fair share allocations every ten years and provides grants to support municipal compliance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-30j
HSG Joint Favorable Substitute: 8-30j
File No. 266: 8-30j