House Bill No. 7171 amends section 22-81 of the general statutes to clarify the authority of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's (CAES) board of control regarding caretaker assignments. The bill allows the board to assign caretakers to reside in properties owned by the trust under its jurisdiction. These caretakers can include the director of the station, department heads, and employees. This change codifies existing practices and does not introduce any new fiscal impacts, as it aligns with how the CAES has been operating.

The bill repeals the current language in subsection (a) of section 22-81 and replaces it with the new provisions that explicitly grant the board the authority to assign caretakers. The overall management and oversight responsibilities of the board remain unchanged, as it continues to manage the institution, own necessary real and personal estate, and report on its activities and funding to the General Assembly and the Governor. The bill is effective upon passage.