Substitute House Bill No. 6996 modifies the process for handling protest petitions related to changes in municipal zoning regulations. Under current law, a proposed change requires a two-thirds majority vote from the zoning commission if a valid protest petition is filed, which is defined as being signed by owners of at least 20% of the area of the lots affected or those within 500 feet. The bill changes this requirement to a simple majority vote, even in the presence of a valid protest petition, thereby making it easier for the commission to approve zoning changes. Additionally, the threshold for a valid protest petition is raised from 20% of the area to 50% of the total number of lots included in the proposal or those within the specified distance.

The bill also introduces provisions that may allow for certain situations where a protest petition could lower the voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority, facilitating specific actions by the zoning commission. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and are expected to have no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.