Substitute House Bill No. 7153 establishes the Port Eastside Infrastructure Improvement District in East Hartford, Connecticut, as a corporate body with defined boundaries and governance structures. The bill outlines the process for forming the district, which requires a petition from eligible voters and may involve a referendum. It introduces new legal language that defines key terms such as "district improvements," "benefit assessment," and "public entity," while specifying the roles of the mayor and voters in the establishment process. The district will have the authority to levy taxes, manage improvements, and assess benefit assessments on properties that benefit from these improvements. Notably, the bill does not indicate any deletions from current law but focuses on creating new provisions to facilitate the district's establishment and operation.

The bill also details the governance structure, including the election of district officers and the procedures for calling meetings and voting on district matters. Key insertions include requirements for a quorum at meetings, stipulations for petitions to initiate votes, and the process for terminating the district's corporate existence. Additionally, the district is granted the authority to issue bonds up to $125 million for financing improvements, with provisions for securing these financial instruments. The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by mandating public hearings for assessments and requiring the district to maintain transparent financial records. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the operational efficiency and financial capabilities of the district while ensuring public participation and oversight.