Researcher: JSB Page 1 3/17/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6419
AN ACT CONCERNING VOTING REQUIREMENTS FOR
ESTABLISHING A DISTRICT TO MAINTAIN WATER QUALITY IN A
LAKE OR LAKES.
SUMMARY
This bill makes it easier to create a special taxing district to maintain
water quality in a lake or lakes located within a single town by (1)
lowering the threshold of votes needed to approve the district’s
creation and (2) expanding who may vote to do so.
Specifically, the bill allows a simple majority of referendum or
special meeting voters to approve the district’s creation, rather than a
two-thirds majority as required under current law. The bill
also expands voter eligibility for these districts to include any real
property owner within the proposed district.
The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to special
taxing district statutes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
EXPANDED VOTING ELIG IBILITY
By law, a person can vote at a meeting or referendum to create a
district if he or she is either:
1. an elector of the municipality (i.e., a registered voter), or
2. a U.S. citizen age 18 or older who is liable, or would be but for
certain tax exemptions, to the municipality for taxes on an
assessment of at least $1,000.
The latter group includes (1) nonresident property owners and (2)
resident property owners age 18 or older who are not registered
voters. 2021HB-06419-R000073-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JSB Page 2 3/17/21
Under the bill, at a meeting or referendum concerning the creation
of a district to maintain lake water quality for a lake or lakes located
within a single town, eligible voters also include any owners of real
property located in the proposed district, regardless of their citizenship
status, age, or tax liability.
BACKGROUND
Special Taxing Districts
The residents of an area within a municipality can form a special
taxing district to perform a number of services, including providing
police and fire protection, operating recreational facilities, and
collecting garbage (CGS § 7-324 et seq.). The statutes specify the
process for forming a special taxing district. Residents of the proposed
district may establish a district either at a special meeting called for
that purpose or through a referendum.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Planning and Development Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 20 Nay 6 (03/02/2021)