Substitute House Bill No. 6963, also known as Public Act No. 25-53, amends existing laws related to municipal approvals and the New Home Construction Guaranty Fund. The bill extends the validity of site plan and subdivision approvals to a minimum of fourteen years and a maximum of nineteen years, with provisions for extensions. It introduces a definition for "business" and outlines criteria for violations of site plan or subdivision requirements, empowering zoning enforcement officers to initiate enforcement actions. Municipalities are granted the authority to impose penalties for zoning violations, with fines capped at $150 per day, payable to the municipality's treasurer. The bill also updates the inland wetlands agency's process for issuing violation orders, ensuring individuals can contest these orders within a specified timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the New Home Construction Guaranty Fund, requiring individuals receiving a certificate to pay an annual fee of $240. It modifies the fund's balance threshold from $700,000 to $650,000, redistributing excess funds to the consumer protection enforcement account and the General Fund. The maximum claim amount for consumers seeking payments from the fund has been increased from $30,000 to $50,000, and the bill clarifies the commissioner's authority to pursue restitution from contractors. It also stipulates that both contractors and proprietors are liable for debts resulting from fund payments, and outlines a notification process for contractors regarding consumer applications for payment. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and include various adjustments to ensure clarity and compliance.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-12, 20-417a, 20-417i
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 20-417a, 20-417i
File No. 620: 20-417a, 20-417i
File No. 810: 20-417a, 20-417i
Public Act No. 25-53: 20-417a, 20-417i