Substitute House Bill No. 7153 establishes two new infrastructure improvement districts: the Port Eastside Infrastructure Improvement District in East Hartford and the Park City Landing Infrastructure Improvement District in Bridgeport. The bill outlines the boundaries of these districts and the types of improvements that can be made, such as roads, sidewalks, and recreational facilities. It introduces key terms like "Benefit assessment," which refers to the costs associated with these improvements, and "Voter," which includes individuals eligible to vote based on property tax assessments within the district. The process for establishing the districts involves a petition from eligible voters, followed by a meeting called by the respective mayors, and a referendum if requested by a sufficient number of voters. The bill includes provisions for the governance structure of the districts, including the election of officers and the ability to levy taxes and collect benefit assessments.
The bill also introduces several amendments to existing laws regarding the assessment and collection of benefit assessments, allowing for public hearings and ensuring property owners are notified before assessments are made. It grants the districts the authority to issue bonds to finance improvements, with specific requirements for interlocal agreements and public hearings. Notably, the bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by mandating audits and quarterly reports on project activities. Key legal language changes include the insertion of provisions for quorum requirements at meetings, the need for signed statements from petition circulators, and the clarification of voting rights for property owners. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance infrastructure development while ensuring public participation and financial management within the districts.