Connecticut Senate Bill SB00304

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of Hud Criteria In Affordable Housing.

Impact

The implementation of SB00304 could significantly influence the landscape of affordable housing initiatives within the state. By aligning state regulations with federal guidelines, the bill may facilitate a smoother and more uniform approach to housing development, particularly for providers seeking to offer affordable housing options. It may also help eliminate ambiguity surrounding what constitutes affordable housing, potentially streamlining processes for obtaining necessary certifications and funding necessary for project completion.

Summary

SB00304 aims to standardize the criteria for classifying housing units as affordable by mandating the use of definitions and requirements set forth by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill seeks to amend section 8-30g of the General Statutes to ensure that housing projects meet certain federal standards before they can be certified as affordable. This move is intended to provide clarity and consistency in the classification of affordable housing within the state, potentially affecting how various projects are evaluated and funded.

Contention

While the bill aims to create more structured guidelines, there may be points of contention regarding the reliance on federal definitions and requirements. Opponents might argue that such a mandate could limit state flexibility in addressing local housing needs, especially if HUD criteria do not fully align with the unique circumstances of local communities. There could be concerns that the federal standards might not adequately take into account local market conditions or the diverse array of housing challenges faced by different regions within the state.