The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7028 seeks to enhance the reimbursement percentages for school building project grants in municipalities that meet certain affordable housing criteria. The bill modifies Section 10-285a of the general statutes by introducing new provisions that allow towns with a population of eighty thousand or more to receive a minimum reimbursement of sixty percent, while the town of Cheshire is guaranteed fifty percent. Additionally, for grants approved after July 1, 2024, the potential reimbursement for new construction or replacement of school buildings will range from ten to eighty percent. The bill also maintains the existing ranking framework based on the adjusted equalized net grand list per capita, which influences grant percentages.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific increases in grant percentages for municipalities that meet affordable housing thresholds, with municipalities having a population greater than six thousand and less than ten percent of affordable housing units eligible for a five percentage point increase. Starting July 1, 2025, municipalities meeting higher affordable housing thresholds can receive increases of twenty percent, eight percent, or five percent, depending on the percentage of affordable housing. The legislation also includes provisions for reimbursement adjustments related to early childhood education programs and stipulates that attorney fees and court costs for litigation on projects authorized after July 1, 2007, will only be eligible for state assistance if the grant applicant prevails in court. Overall, the bill aims to promote affordable housing development while improving educational infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-285a