The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7281 seeks to amend the restrictions on the ownership and leasing of a parcel of state land previously conveyed to the town of Southbury. The bill allows the town to sell, transfer, or lease the parcel to a third party for housing purposes, provided that the town retains ownership of the land. The amendments include the removal of certain restrictions on leasing, specifically allowing leases to third parties for housing purposes, while ensuring that any funds received from such transactions are directed to the State Treasurer for deposit in the General Fund.
Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for the town of Southbury regarding environmental evaluations prior to the transfer of the property and clarifies the roles of various state departments in the conveyance process. The State Properties Review Board is tasked with reviewing the conveyance within thirty days of receiving a proposed agreement, and the bill stipulates that the land will remain under the care of the Department of Developmental Services until the conveyance is finalized. Overall, the bill aims to facilitate the use of the land for housing while ensuring state oversight and financial accountability.