The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 7110 aims to enhance housing initiatives for state-recognized Native American tribes in Connecticut by appropriating funds and establishing a framework for managing housing needs. Each tribe is required to conduct a comprehensive study to assess their housing and community building needs through 2040, including an evaluation of their reservation lands for housing development. To support these efforts, each tribe will receive one million dollars, managed by their housing authorities, and must submit their findings to the Commissioner of Housing and relevant legislative committees by July 1, 2027. The bill emphasizes the involvement of licensed professionals in conducting necessary surveys to ensure sustainable development.

In addition to funding, the bill modifies existing legal language regarding the management of reservation lands. It replaces the previous requirement for the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to oversee these lands with a provision allowing each tribe, in consultation with the Commissioner and the Indian Affairs Council, to manage their own lands. The bill also designates the Governor as the administrative agent for applying for federal and state funds for housing projects and establishes a public body corporate for each tribe, known as the "housing authority," which will operate similarly to municipal authorities. Furthermore, it appropriates $5 million from the General Fund for these initiatives and repeals outdated sections of the general statutes to streamline the governance of tribal housing authorities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 47-65, 47-66, 47-66a, 47-66d
HSG Joint Favorable Change of Reference: 47-65, 47-66, 47-66a, 47-66d