Connecticut House Bill HB06495

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/11
• Refer: 3/1/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11
• Refer: 4/8/11
• Report Pass: 4/14/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Disposition Of Surplus State Property.

Impact

The enactment of HB 06495 is expected to have several significant implications for the management of state property. By enhancing the process for declaring property as surplus and outlining the steps for its transfer, the bill aims to prevent state-owned lands from remaining unused and unproductive. Additionally, it gives specific guidelines regarding the obligations of state agencies to inform relevant authorities about surplus properties, potentially leading to an increase in efficient resource allocation and economic activities surrounding these lands.

Summary

House Bill 06495 is focused on the disposition of surplus state property, aimed at streamlining the process through which state agencies can manage lands and improvements that are no longer needed. The bill modifies existing statutes to enhance the efficiency in reporting and transferring surplus property, allowing for better public utilization of state-owned lands. It allows the Commissioner of Public Works and relevant state agencies to make decisions regarding the sale, exchange, or lease of surplus lands, with the intent of either generating revenue or facilitating economic development projects.

Sentiment

Discussions around the bill have generally been supportive as it presents a structured approach to managing surplus state property, reflecting a positive sentiment towards enhancing state property management practices. Proponents emphasize the bill's potential to unlock value from unused property and support community development projects, while also fostering economic revitalization efforts. However, there are concerns related to ensuring that local input and community needs are recognized when surplus lands are disposed of or repurposed.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the extent to which local governments and communities can influence the decisions made regarding surplus properties. Critics argue that without sufficient local oversight, there may be a risk of misalignment between state decisions on property disposition and the actual needs of communities. Additionally, there is apprehension about whether the bill might facilitate the prioritization of economic development over other important considerations such as environmental impacts or community preservation.