Senate Bill No. 144 seeks to enhance local representation on the Connecticut Siting Council by modifying its composition and procedures, effective October 1, 2026. The bill repeals Section 16-50j of the 2026 supplement to the general statutes and introduces provisions that require the council to include a nonvoting elector from the municipality where a proposed facility is to be located, appointed by the municipality's chief elected official. In cases where the facility spans multiple municipalities, an elector will be appointed by the regional council of governments. The bill also maintains the existing structure of the council, which includes various state officials and public members, while modifying the compensation structure for council members and clarifying the appointment process for ad hoc members.

Furthermore, the bill introduces technical changes to improve notification requirements for facility proposals, ensuring that municipalities and relevant stakeholders are adequately informed about applications. It also amends the membership structure for hazardous waste facility proceedings, maintaining a total of 13 members while ensuring that public members have no substantial financial interests in utilities or facilities under the council's jurisdiction for three years prior to their appointment. Additionally, if any appointed public members or legislative designees reside in the municipality where a hazardous waste facility is proposed, a substitute member must be appointed to ensure impartiality and reduce conflicts of interest in the decision-making process.