Substitute Bill No. 7112 aims to tackle housing and homelessness issues in Connecticut by establishing a study and task force focused on affordable housing initiatives. The bill requires the majority leaders' roundtable group on affordable housing to conduct a feasibility study on creating an Affordable Housing Real Estate Investment Trust, which would acquire housing units for long-term retention as affordable housing through deed restrictions. A report on the findings is due by January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill creates a task force to explore a housing opportunity tax credit for landlords who rent to formerly incarcerated individuals, offering a tax credit equal to 25% of the rental income. The bill also repeals Section 7-246 of the general statutes and introduces new provisions regarding municipal water pollution control authorities, requiring municipalities with a significant number of single-family homes to develop sewer service plans that support multifamily housing.

The bill further modifies existing land use and housing regulations, prohibiting municipalities from imposing certain restrictions on nonconforming uses and establishing minimum lot sizes greater than one acre for residential construction. It also bans "hostile architecture" in public areas and mandates that municipalities cannot deny land use applications based on district character or applicant income levels. The bill establishes a new board within the Department of Economic and Community Development to oversee the Community Investment Fund 2030, emphasizing local hiring and project impact. It increases bond issuance limits for affordable housing projects and introduces pilot programs for rental assistance and portable facilities for the homeless. The bill includes appropriations for various initiatives, including grants for affordable housing construction and local food pantries, while ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of these programs.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-246, 8-2, 8-345, 32-285a
HSG Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-246, 8-2, 32-285a
File No. 274: 7-246, 8-2, 32-285a
FIN Joint Favorable: 7-246, 8-2, 32-285a