Connecticut House Bill HB05198

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/18
• Refer: 2/22/18

Caption

An Act Requiring State And Local Agencies And Utilities To Adopt A Housing Affordability Impact Analysis.

Impact

The impact of HB 05198 on state laws is significant, as it seeks to enhance accountability and transparency in the regulatory process related to housing. By requiring the preparation of an impact analysis, the bill aims to highlight the potential effects of regulations on housing costs, thereby enabling policymakers to make informed decisions that could foster a more affordable housing market. Furthermore, the bill sets forth specific requirements for the analysis, which includes estimating the number of housing units affected and the costs associated with compliance for developers, potentially leading to more equitable regulatory practices overall.

Summary

House Bill 05198, titled 'An Act Requiring State And Local Agencies And Utilities To Adopt A Housing Affordability Impact Analysis,' aims to establish a framework for evaluating the affordability implications of various regulations affecting housing production within the state. The bill mandates that state and local agencies, as well as utility companies, conduct a housing affordability impact analysis before implementing any new regulations that may affect housing development. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that potential costs and burdens on housing production are assessed and communicated prior to regulatory changes.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention surrounding the bill revolve around the concern that the housing affordability impact analyses may not always lead to a reduction in regulatory burdens. Critics argue that the bill could inadvertently make it more difficult for agencies to enforce necessary regulations under the guise of prioritizing affordability. There is also the potential for pushback from local governments who may feel that this requirement imposes additional constraints on their ability to address community-specific needs through their own regulations, especially in areas experiencing rapid growth or housing shortages.