Substitute House Bill No. 6944 mandates that municipalities in Connecticut develop and submit an affordable housing plan every five years, with the first plan due five years after the previous one. The bill introduces new definitions such as "affordable housing plan," "affordable housing unit," and "discretionary funding," while removing the previous requirement for municipalities to specify improvements for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Municipalities in the highest 80% of net equalized per capita grand list income are required to create a priority affordable housing plan that outlines how they will utilize zoning powers to create realistic opportunities for affordable housing development, including specific targets for unit types.

The bill also establishes a timeline for the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to approve or reject these plans within 90 days, with provisions for provisional approval if no action is taken. It 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 OPM secretary. Additionally, municipalities that implement approved zoning changes within twelve months will be eligible for prioritized discretionary funding. The bill repeals Section 46a-104 and introduces new language allowing courts to grant various forms of relief in housing-related complaints, including attorney's fees not contingent on damages awarded. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

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