General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6994 seeks to amend the laws governing state, regional, and municipal plans of conservation and development by establishing new timelines and requirements for plan revisions and adoptions. The bill stipulates that plans adopted on or before July 1, 2030, must be revised no later than four years after their last adoption, with subsequent revisions allowed up to nine years apart. It mandates regional councils of governments to create their plans within one year of the state plan's adoption, focusing on land use, housing, and environmental protection. Additionally, municipal planning commissions are required to align their plans with regional plans and adhere to similar revision timelines. If a municipality fails to amend its plan as required, the chief elected official must explain the non-compliance to state agencies, which will be considered in applications for significant state funding.

The bill also introduces new compliance requirements for municipalities, stating that those not meeting specific criteria will be ineligible for discretionary state funding unless a waiver is granted. It encourages the formation of special committees that include local residents and representatives to assist in plan development, emphasizing the need for affordable housing and environmental considerations. The legislation enhances local oversight by requiring legislative bodies to endorse or reject plans, with any rejections necessitating feedback to the commission. Furthermore, it establishes a timeline for the adoption of conservation plans, mandating updates to the state plan every ten years starting July 1, 2030, and ensuring that regional and municipal plans follow suit. The bill removes previous provisions that allowed for plan adoption without local endorsement, thereby promoting greater community engagement and consistency across government levels.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 8-23