The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7030, aims to expand the Open Choice Voucher pilot program by reestablishing it with updated timelines and procedures. The bill amends Section 1 of special act 21-26, changing the deadline for the program's establishment from June 15, 2022, to June 15, 2026. It also modifies the availability of rental assistance certificates, allowing for ten certificates to be made available during the school year starting in 2026 and another ten during the school year starting in 2027. The program is designed to assist low-income families who have participated in the interdistrict public school attendance program and wish to relocate to the town where their child attends school.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Commissioner of Housing to develop procedures for landlord and family recruitment, housing search assistance, and counseling. It requires the Commissioner to submit interim and final reports on the program's implementation and performance, with the interim report due by August 31, 2026, and the final report by August 31, 2027. The reports will assess program utilization, demographic data of participants, and provide recommendations for future implementation or extension of the pilot program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.