Substitute Senate Bill No. 307 proposes significant revisions to the statutes governing the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) in Connecticut. The bill repeals and replaces Section 32-1u, designating the DECD as the primary contact for film production activities on state-owned property, allowing the Commissioner to issue state film permits and establish insurance requirements while limiting state liability. It also amends Section 32-286 to require data center applicants to demonstrate substantial investments and outlines a new agreement structure for qualified data centers, including tax exemptions and compliance penalties. Notably, the bill removes the Office of Data Infrastructure Administration and Security, transferring its responsibilities to the DECD, and introduces a permit ombudsman to expedite the permitting process for economic development projects.

Additionally, the bill modifies various reporting requirements, including changing the frequency of reports for the Youth Service Corps grant program from annual to a one-time report due by January 1, 2024, and shifting the timeline for evaluations of the Invest CT fund program. It establishes a Manufacturing Innovation Advisory Board and updates the structure of the Connecticut Tourism Council, including attendance requirements for members. The bill also introduces a new definition for "economic cluster" and emphasizes collaboration among state agencies to facilitate economic development while maintaining environmental regulations. Overall, the bill aims to streamline DECD operations, enhance investment frameworks, and improve the governance of advisory boards.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 32-1u, 32-726, 32-761, 32-7n, 10-397c, 32-9n, 32-352, 32-355, 32-357, 32-7q, 32-7s, 32-7x, 32-4e
CE Joint Favorable Substitute: 32-1u, 32-726, 32-761, 32-7n, 10-397c, 32-357
File No. 561: 32-1u, 32-726, 32-761, 32-7n, 10-397c, 32-357