Connecticut Senate Bill SB00746

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB00746 is expected to strengthen affordable housing development in Connecticut by aligning state regulations more closely with federal standards. This alignment may help to simplify compliance for developers seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of housing regulations and could potentially lead to an increase in the number of affordable housing projects being completed. However, it could also limit the flexibility of local municipalities to apply their own criteria that may better fit local housing needs.

Summary

SB00746, introduced by Senator Kelly, proposes to amend Connecticut's section 8-30g of the general statutes to require the use of definitions and requirements set forth by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when designating housing units as affordable. The intention of the bill is to create uniformity in the criteria used for classifying affordable housing, thereby streamlining the process for developers and municipalities to obtain certificates for affordable housing project completion. By enforcing standard federal definitions, the bill aims to enhance the credibility of affordable housing classifications across the state.

Contention

The proposal has sparked discussions regarding the balance between state oversight and local control. Proponents argue that the use of HUD criteria will ensure that all affordable housing projects meet recognized federal standards, optimizing the state's ability to secure funding and support. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that federal standards may not adequately address unique local housing challenges, thus possibly hindering local efforts to manage and respond to housing crises effectively. This tension between state mandates and local preferences is likely to be a significant point of discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.