Bill > SB00012

This bill addresses Connecticut's housing needs through several key initiatives. First, it establishes a working group to study barriers to building starter homes, examining zoning restrictions, building codes, and other regulations that might impede affordable housing development. The bill creates a four-year pilot program at the Department of Housing to fund affordable housing projects that also create construction employment, with specific requirements like union pension fund coinvestment and project labor agreements. Additionally, the legislation mandates that municipalities allow the conversion of commercial buildings into residential housing as of right, streamlining the process for creating new housing units. The bill also introduces a mortgage rate reduction program for first-time homebuyers with student loan debt, offering up to a 1.125% rate reduction for eligible borrowers. Furthermore, it requires more municipalities to establish fair rent commissions and provides increased rental assistance for elderly, disabled, and Head Start program participants, with specific appropriations of $4.2 million and $4.5 million respectively. The bill aims to address housing affordability and accessibility through multiple complementary approaches, supporting both housing development and tenant protections.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

Housing Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00012&which_year=2025