Substitute House Bill No. 6944 requires municipalities in Connecticut to develop and submit an affordable housing plan every five years, with the first plan due by July 1, 2025. The bill introduces new definitions such as "affordable housing plan," "affordable housing unit," and "discretionary funding" to clarify the expectations for these plans. Municipalities in the top eighty percent of net equalized per capita grand list income must create a priority affordable housing plan that includes specific targets for affordable units, including twenty percent for very low-income households. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) post these plans online and outlines a process for municipalities to apply for approval of their plans, which must be acted upon within ninety days.

Additionally, the bill repeals the previous requirement for municipalities to demonstrate how they would improve accessibility for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It establishes new regulations for the review and approval of these plans, allowing interested parties to challenge approved plans in court, with the burden of proof on the Secretary. Municipalities that implement approved zoning changes within twelve months will be eligible for prioritized discretionary funding. The bill also mandates that affordable housing estimates and allocations be updated every ten years and allows funding for affordable housing development to benefit other properties. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the development of affordable housing while ensuring municipalities adhere to specific guidelines and targets.

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