Substitute Senate Bill No. 1529, also known as Public Act No. 25-175, introduces several amendments to existing laws concerning municipal referenda, education, and property tax exemptions. The bill allows voters in municipalities with populations of 16,000 or fewer to petition for a town referendum to reverse permit decisions made by the commissioner, effective September 30, 2025. It also modifies the funding structure for contracted services with the Department of Developmental Services, specifying rate increases for residential service providers effective July 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028. Additionally, the bill updates the Commissioner of Education's network of schools, prohibiting the selection of new schools after July 1, 2025, while allowing existing schools to extend their participation.

Furthermore, the bill addresses property tax exemptions, allowing individuals in specific towns, including Berlin, Canton, Manchester, Milford, New Haven, and Newington, to retroactively file for grand list exemptions for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 without penalty, provided they pay a late fee. It also permits the towns of Newington and Trumbull to defer property revaluations scheduled for October 1, 2025, until the following year, contingent upon local legislative approval. The bill includes the deletion of outdated language and the insertion of new timelines and conditions for various provisions, with most changes taking effect on July 1, 2025, while the deferral provisions are effective immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Public Act No. 25-175: 10-248a