Connecticut House Bill HB06116

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/13
• Refer: 1/25/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Exemptions From The Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Procedure.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6116 would specifically alter the existing affordable housing requirements set forth by state law. By exempting certain municipalities from the ten percent affordable housing goal, the bill acknowledges the difficulties these areas may face in meeting such mandates, given their demographic composition. This legislative change could potentially relieve local governments from the pressure of developing affordable housing projects if they are already accommodating high percentages of low-income families through other means.

Summary

House Bill 6116, entitled 'An Act Concerning Exemptions From The Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Procedure', aims to amend section 8-30g of the general statutes. This legislation seeks to provide exemptions from the affordable housing goal requirements for municipalities with a significant population of low-income families, specifically those with a free and reduced price lunch program population of forty percent or more. The intended purpose of this bill is to recognize the unique challenges faced by these municipalities in managing affordable housing commitments while sufficiently serving their resident populations.

Contention

This bill is expected to spark discussions surrounding local governance and the responsibilities of municipalities in addressing housing needs. Supporters argue that this exemption is necessary to allow municipalities struggling with high poverty rates to focus on the welfare of their residents without the added burden of state housing targets. Critics, however, may express concerns that exempting areas from these requirements could lead to a lack of affordable housing development, thus exacerbating housing insecurity in the most affected communities.