Researcher: JSB Page 1 3/27/25
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 1315
AN ACT AUTHORIZING MUNICIPALITIES TO ENFORCE CERTAIN
BLIGHT REGULATIONS WITHOUT PROVIDING NOTICE OR AN
OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDIATE.
SUMMARY
This bill allows municipalities to take immediate enforcement action
against blighted properties after a second, rather than third, violation at
the property in a 12-month period. The bill applies to the enforcement
of municipal blight regulations for housing and commercial properties
adopted under the general municipal powers law (see
BACKGROUND) .
Under existing law and the bill, immediate enforcement action means
enforcement action taken without giving the owner notice of the
violation and an opportunity to remediate the blighted condition. Under
the bill, a municipality can deem a second violation to exist if it
previously issued a notice and either (1) the conditions creating the
violation were previously resolved (but have reoccurred) or (2) 120 days
passed and the violative conditions still exist. This is generally the same
standard that applies under current law for determining whether a third
or subsequent violation is occurring.
The bill also makes technical and conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025
BACKGROUND
Local Blight Regulations
The general municipal powers law authorizes municipalities to make
and enforce regulations to prevent and remediate blight and set fines for
each day a violation continues. Municipalities that issue citations for
blight violations must establish a citation hearing procedure for owners
to contest their fines (CGS § 7-148(c)(7)(H)(xv)). 2025SB-01315-R000287-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JSB Page 2 3/27/25
Another law specifies that unpaid fines imposed under a blight
regulation constitute a lien on the property and generally take
precedence over all other liens and encumbrances, except taxes (CGS §
7-148aa). The law also authorizes municipalities to enact an ordinance
imposing a special assessment on blighted housing to cover blight
enforcement and remediation costs and makes any unpaid assessments
a lien on the property (CGS § 7-148ff).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Planning and Development Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 20 Nay 0 (03/07/2025)