Month: May 2025

Sen. Cohen, Rep. Rader Welcome Final Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen, Rep. Rader Welcome Final Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

HARTFORD – Early Friday morning the state senate voted for the unanimous passage of legislation implementing the recommendations of the Katie Beckett Working Group, ensuring families of terminally ill children are better served by the program. State Senator Christine Cohen and State Representative Moira Rader worked closely with constituents, the Negron family, to develop these important recommendations.

The Katie Beckett Waiver program is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and provides Medicaid healthcare services and supports to individuals 21 years of age and younger with a physical disability who may or may not have a co-occurring developmental disability. These services are for young adults and children who would normally not qualify for Medicaid due to family income. The purpose of the waiver is to provide home and community-based services to individuals who would prefer to reside in their home or in the community instead of an alternative institution.

Unfortunately, Connecticut is the only state in New England with a cap on the number of qualified individuals accepted into the Katie Beckett Waiver program. The way the waitlist is structured leaves some families on a waiting list longer than the child’s life expectancy.

This legislation to improve the waiver program came from the advocacy of Chloe Negron’s family. Chloe was a Guilford girl diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare genetic disorder. Chloe tragically passed away earlier this year from complications of the disease. Last year, Sen. Cohen and Rep. Rader testified along with her father, David, before the Human Services Committee on the need to improve the program. He later served on the Katie Beckett Working Group to develop the recommendations implemented in this legislation.

The legislation passed requires DSS to develop a five-year plan to eliminate the waiting list for the Katie Beckett Waiver Program and add home modification coverage, as well as report to the Appropriations and Human Services Committee their recommendations on state appropriations needed to implement the plan. According to DSS, 331 people are currently on the waitlist which currently equates to many years.

Additionally, the bill lowers the maximum age for Katie Beckett participants from 21 to 18.

The bill also requires the DSS commissioner to include information on eligibility criteria and provider reimbursement rates for the waiver program in its Medicaid provider bulletins and to post certain information on the website.

Lastly, the bill requires DSS to annually administer a survey, via mail or e-mail, to applicants on the program’s waiting list, asking applicants to confirm or update demographic information and whether they wish to remain on the waiting list. Applicants who do not respond must remain on the waiting list.

“My heart is with every family whose child faces a terminal illness, and I have deep respect for David and Rennie’s strength and the love for their daughter that has guided this legislation,” said Sen. Cohen. “Chloe’s legacy lives on through the power of advocacy and public policy and because of this legislation, other Connecticut families will be better served by this program. I am hopeful that with these recommendations, every child, regardless of diagnosis, has access to the care they need.”

“This legislation holds deep significance, particularly for the Guilford community. It was inspired by the Negron Family and their beloved daughter, Chloe, whose strength and light touched everyone who knew her,” said Rep. Rader. “Although Chloe tragically passed away this past year, her legacy lives on through this work. In her memory, we are building a more compassionate and responsive system that will help countless children and families for years to come.”

Senator Rahman Votes to Pass Comprehensive Bill to Build Housing and Lower Costs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Pass Comprehensive Bill to Build Housing and Lower Costs

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted early Saturday to give final passage to legislation which will increase the state’s supply of housing units, reduce housing costs in communities statewide, and address Connecticut’s housing shortage.

The bill’s extensive updates to state housing policy come as groups ranging from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association have drawn attention to the state’s lack of housing to meet the demands of its population. Shortages of affordable housing units for rent tally anywhere from 90,000 to more than 110,000, according to the organizations. The NLIHC stated that this shortage financially harms struggling households, while the CBIA noted the growing deficit is creating challenges for Connecticut businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Acknowledging this need, House Bill 5002, “An Act Concerning Housing And The Needs Of Homeless Persons,” seeks to address the issue in a variety of ways, utilizing new strategies to encourage new construction and new housing development statewide.

“Housing is a basic need, and right now too many Connecticut families are being priced out or pushed out,” Senator Rahman said. “We have an obligation to change this and H.B. 5002 represents a major step forward. It supports working families, protects renters, and gives our towns the tools they need to plan smart growth. By expanding housing options across the state, we’re investing in our economy and our communities.”

House Bill 5002 has a number of updates to state policies, focused on a variety of improvement strategies, including:

Increasing Housing Supply And Reducing Costs

-Building more housing near transit through the new Towns Take The Lead program to prioritize transit-oriented development

-Drastically increasing middle housing development, up to nine units, by cutting red tape in commercially zoned areas

-Creating a first-time homebuyer savings program to allow individuals and employers to contribute into special savings accounts supporting homebuying expenses

-Funding affordable housing development projects while creating employment opportunities in the construction industry, both creating well-paying union jobs and creating housing units

-Requiring town-by-town plans to meet 25% of suggested affordable housing allocations

Protections For Renters

-Expanding fair rent commissions to all towns with populations over 15,000, including flexibility for joint or regional commissions

-Increasing direct rental assistance programs over the next three years by allowing grants for nonprofit providers

-Encouraging projects constructed by the housing authorities of multiple neighboring towns

-Re-establishing the Open Choice Voucher pilot program for summer 2026, expanding rental opportunities

Reducing Homelessness

-Providing portable showers and laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness through a new pilot program

-Prohibiting municipalities from installing “hostile infrastructure” on publicly accessible areas – this is defined as architecture preventing a person experiencing homelessness from sitting or lying in or on a building or structure

This bill is designed to drastically improve the state’s response to housing needs, supporting vulnerable residents and empowering communities to find new means of development for long-term support. Municipalities will gain access to funding to aid planning ahead to effectively develop housing and increase supply for those struggling the most.

SENATOR MARX LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO BUILD HOUSING AND LOWER COSTS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MARX LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO BUILD HOUSING AND LOWER COSTS

Early this morning, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, led the Senate’s final passage of legislation which will increase the state’s supply of housing units, reduce housing costs in communities statewide, and address Connecticut’s housing shortage.

The bill’s extensive updates to state housing policy come as groups ranging from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association have drawn attention to the state’s lack of housing to meet the demands of its population. Shortages of affordable housing units for rent tally anywhere from 90,000 to more than 110,000, according to the organizations. The NLIHC stated that this shortage financially harms struggling households, while the CBIA noted the growing deficit is creating challenges for Connecticut businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Acknowledging this need, House Bill 5002, “An Act Concerning Housing And The Needs Of Homeless Persons,” seeks to address the issue in a variety of ways, utilizing new strategies to encourage new construction and new housing development statewide.

The bill passed the Senate by a 20-15 vote and now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

“The people of our state can’t wait any longer. We need to address the housing crisis, and we need genuine, impactful progress,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m so proud of all the work my colleagues and I sunk into this bill. We know it will deliver real beneficial change in communities across the state. Through this bill, we’re addressing private housing, public housing, affordable housing, and most importantly, MORE housing. That’s the answer to this crisis, and I’m excited to join Governor Lamont when he signs this bill into law for that purpose.”

“Connecticut’s housing shortage isn’t a matter of numbers – it impacts families, businesses and our economy at large,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Families face the financial pressure of rising costs, holding back their ability to save and limiting their contributions to the state economy. Businesses struggle to find workers when those workers can’t find stable or affordable housing, harming their productivity and sending qualified, skilled workers elsewhere for employment. This bill is Connecticut’s strongest effort to support new housing in years, and its impacts will provide relief in communities in every county – making life easier for working families and bolstering our economy in the process.”

“As the housing crisis deepens, more of our residents feel the squeeze as rents and prices increase,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “With this bill, we’re taking strong, meaningful action to bolster our state’s housing supply, create jobs, provide new support for renters, homeowners and prospective property buyers alike. More units in our communities relieves pressure and provides a strong foundation to build upon at a time when we need it more than ever.”

House Bill 5002 has a number of updates to state policies, focused on a variety of improvement strategies, including:
Increasing Housing Supply And Reducing Costs

-Building more housing near transit through the new Towns Take The Lead program to prioritize transit-oriented development

-Drastically increasing middle housing development, up to nine units, by cutting red tape in commercially zoned areas

-Creating a first-time homebuyer savings program to allow individuals and employers to contribute into special savings accounts supporting homebuying expenses

-Funding affordable housing development projects while creating employment opportunities in the construction industry, both creating well-paying union jobs and creating housing units

-Requiring town-by-town plans to meet 25% of suggested affordable housing allocations

Protections For Renters

-Expanding fair rent commissions to all towns with populations over 15,000, including flexibility for joint or regional commissions

-Increasing direct rental assistance programs over the next three years by allowing grants for nonprofit providers

-Encouraging projects constructed by the housing authorities of multiple neighboring towns

-Re-establishing the Open Choice Voucher pilot program for summer 2026, expanding rental opportunities

Reducing Homelessness

-Providing portable showers and laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness through a new pilot program

-Prohibiting municipalities from installing “hostile infrastructure” on publicly accessible areas – this is defined as architecture preventing a person experiencing homelessness from sitting or lying in or on a building or structure

This bill is designed to drastically improve the state’s response to housing needs, supporting vulnerable residents and empowering communities to find new means of development for long-term support. Municipalities will gain access to funding to aid planning ahead to effectively develop housing and increase supply for those struggling the most.

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE TO EXPAND CHILD CARE ACCESS, SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING

Posted on by Devin James


SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE TO EXPAND CHILD CARE ACCESS, SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate on Friday in a vote to expand access to childcare and addresses a special education crisis faced by municipalities across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities. It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care and takes steps to address critical special education needs experienced by towns and cities across the state.

“Families across the state face increasing strains over the cost of child care, while schools struggle under special education costs that continue to grow,” said Sen. Anwar. “This legislation directly addresses both issues, providing relief that will provide aid for years to come. It’s legislation I couldn’t be more proud to support.”

Child Care

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded child care with greater access. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by the unappropriated general fund surplus, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care in the Early Start program at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

The proposal requires that within the next three years, at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall  in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill also includes several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.

Special Education

Senate Bill 1, along with its companion proposal House Bill 5001, responds to feedback from communities across Connecticut, which have wrestled with the soaring and unpredictable costs associated with special education programing.

Recognizing the high cost of private, out-of-district special education services, the bill creates a $10 million grant to incentivize the development of in-district programming.

The proposal seeks to address the costs associated with transporting students to and from special education programs. It creates a Request For Information (RFI) intended to determine the most efficient transportation routes, ensuring the municipalities are not spending limited funds on redundant trips.

The bill calls for districts to establish Instructional Support Partners who will work closely with teachers, parents, and school teams to streamline processes like IEP development, facilitate meaningful professional learning, and advance effective strategies that support student growth and inclusion. By requiring at least 50% of their time to be spent on these specialized responsibilities, this new position represents a bold step forward in promoting support for educators and student success—particularly for those who need it most.

The legislation responds to parents’ concerns about frequent staff changes in out-of-district special education programs. It requires these programs to notify parents, school boards, and the state Department of Education if any staffing change lasts more than 10 school days.

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Passes Sweeping Education Legislation

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Passes Sweeping Education Legislation

HARTFORD – On Friday, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, co-chair of the newly formed Special Education Committee, voted to pass sweeping education legislation, which puts Connecticut on track to achieve universal childcare and addresses a special education crisis faced by municipalities across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — passed on a 32-4 vote and directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities. It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care and takes steps to address critical special education needs experienced by towns and cities across the state.

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, as co-chair of the Special Education Committee, held a series of listening sessions across the state to hear from students, parents, teachers, administrators, town officials and advocates on the challenges they face providing and accessing adequate special education.

The final proposals of the Special Education Committee are included in Senate Bill 1, along with its companion proposal House Bill 5001, and responds to feedback from communities across Connecticut, which have wrestled with the soaring and unpredictable costs associated with special education programing.

“Education has to be a priority for Connecticut and this bill looks at education as a continuum,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “We are making a significant investment into our students, ensuring they can receive the services that they need to thrive while also relieving the burden on local taxpayers. I am so proud of the collaboration that went into this legislation, the additional resources we are securing for students and most of all – the lasting impact that this will have on our students, families and communities.”

Special Education

Recognizing the high cost of private, out-of-district special education services, the bill creates a $10 million grant to incentivize the development of in-district programming.

The proposal seeks to address the costs associated with transporting students to and from special education programs. It creates a Request For Information (RFI) intended to determine the most efficient transportation routes, ensuring the municipalities are not spending limited funds on redundant trips.

The bill shifts the administrative burden of time-consuming Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings from teachers to new instructional support partners, which the legislation requires in each Connecticut school.  It allows current education professionals, such as paraeducators, to take on these roles and gradually make these administrative duties their primary responsibility.

The legislation responds to parents’ concerns about frequent staff changes in out-of-district special education programs. It requires these programs to notify parents, school boards, and the state Department of Education if any staffing change lasts more than 10 school days.

Child Care

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded access to child care. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by expected surplus funding, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

The proposal requires that at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall  in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill will include several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.

SENATOR MAHER CO-LEADS SENATE IN EXPANDING CHILD CARE ACCESS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER CO-LEADS SENATE IN EXPANDING CHILD CARE ACCESS

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined her Senate colleagues on Friday to co-lead the passage of legislation to expand access to childcare across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities. It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care, alleviating pressures continuing to impact their households.

“This legislation represents expansion of child care access across Connecticut in the next five years, helping countless families and easing the financial pressures caused by child care shortages,” said Sen. Maher. “I could not be more proud to join my colleagues in advancing these key priorities, which will benefit children and parents across the state.”

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded childcare with greater access. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by the unappropriated general fund surplus, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care in the Early Start program at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

The proposal requires that within the next three years, at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill also includes several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.

Senate Bill 1: Landmark Child Care Expansion Clears Senate

Posted on by Devin James

Senate Bill 1: Landmark Child Care Expansion Clears Senate

The Senate voted Friday to pass sweeping education legislation, which puts Connecticut on track to significantly expand access to childcare and addresses a special education crisis faced by municipalities across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — passed on a 32-4 vote and directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities.

It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care and takes steps to address critical special education needs experienced by towns and cities across the state.

Child Care

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded access to child care. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by expected surplus funding, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

“This historic investment in child care marks a turning point for Connecticut. For too long, the high cost and limited availability of reliable care have pushed parents, especially women, out of the workforce and placed enormous strain on family budgets,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney said. “At the same time, low wages and meager benefits have driven providers out of the field. Senate Bill 1 takes a comprehensive approach to these challenges, strengthening the child care system so that families can thrive, providers are supported, and our youngest learners arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.”

“Parents have been telling us that child care is unaffordable, and municipalities have been clear they need help with special education. Senate Bill 1 tackles both,” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said. “We’re taking sustainable steps toward universal child care so parents can stay in the workforce without breaking the bank. And we’re overhauling special education to bring more oversight, more efficiency, and a system that actually works for families and educators.”

“Right now, families in underserved communities have fewer child care options and face higher barriers to access. Senate Bill 1 is designed with equity in mind,” Senator Doug McCrory, Senate chair of the Education Committee, said. “It ensures that funding doesn’t just flow to the communities that can afford to pay more, but reaches the families who need it most. Every child deserves the same strong start, no matter where they live.”

The proposal requires that at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall  in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill will include several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.

Special Education

Senate Bill 1, along with its companion proposal House Bill 5001, responds to feedback from communities across Connecticut, which have wrestled with the soaring and unpredictable costs associated with special education programing.

Recognizing the high cost of private, out-of-district special education services, the bill creates a $10 million grant to incentivize the development of in-district programming.

The proposal seeks to address the costs associated with transporting students to and from special education programs. It creates a Request For Information (RFI) intended to determine the most efficient transportation routes, ensuring the municipalities are not spending limited funds on redundant trips.

The bill calls for districts to establish Instructional Support Partners who will work closely with teachers, parents, and school teams to streamline processes like IEP development, facilitate meaningful professional learning, and advance effective strategies that support student growth and inclusion. By requiring at least 50% of their time to be spent on these specialized responsibilities, this new position represents a bold step forward in promoting support for educators and student success—particularly for those who need it most.

The legislation responds to parents’ concerns about frequent staff changes in out-of-district special education programs. It requires these programs to notify parents, school boards, and the state Department of Education if any staffing change lasts more than 10 school days.

Looney Advances Passage of Bill Enhancing Worker Protections

Posted on by Devin James

Looney Advances Passage of Bill Enhancing Worker Protections

HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D–New Haven) advanced Senate Bill 1274, An Act Concerning Working Conditions, which strengthens labor standards and safeguards for workers across Connecticut. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and now advances to the House of Representatives.

“This legislation represents a meaningful step forward in ensuring dignity, safety, and fairness for workers across our state,” said Senator Looney. “Whether it’s establishing clear standards for compensation of mandated pre- and post-shift work, enhancing workplace accommodations for breastfeeding, or preparing for the realities of heat-related illness in the workplace, Senate Bill 1274 reflects a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to modern workplace challenges. Our labor laws must evolve in tandem with the realities that workers face today.”

Expanded Definition of “Hours Worked”
Clarifies that “hours worked” includes time spent waiting on the employer’s premises when no work is provided, time spent in mandatory security screenings, and on-call time under certain conditions. It also allows for written agreements to exclude sleep periods for live-in workers providing companionship services, as per federal standards, provided specific sleep accommodations and minimum rest periods are met.

Workplace Accommodations for Breastfeeding
Requires employers to provide reasonable break time for employees to express breast milk or breastfeed on-site whenever needed, not just during scheduled breaks. It also mandates that employers make reasonable efforts to provide a private, non-bathroom space near the work area, which includes access to refrigeration and electrical outlets.

Workplace Heat Safety Task Force
Establishes a task force to study and make recommendations on heat safety standards for workplaces. The task force will examine best practices and heat safety regulations from other states and deliver a report to the legislature by January 1, 2026.

Senator Gaston Supports Bill to Convert Unused Properties into Homes

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Gaston Supports Bill to Convert Unused Properties into Homes

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), voted in support of a bill he co-sponsored, intended to reduce the high cost of housing by eliminating the red tape around the conversion of commercial buildings into residential developments.

Senate Bill 1444, ‘An Act Concerning the Conversion of Commercial Real Property for Residential Use,’ was proposed by Senator Rahman and passed by the state Senate on a 33-3 vote. It will now head to the House for consideration during the final week of the session.

“This is something that speaks to the fierce urgency of now in reference to what we need to do here in the state of Connecticut around Housing,” said Sen. Gaston. “Converting these vacant and unutilized commercial properties, into residential units can rapidly increase the housing supply, especially in our urban areas. This can help address the blight problems and therefore reduce some of the crime we see around the area.”

The legislation would boost the availability of homes in Connecticut by allowing developers to convert unused commercial space into housing, subject to summary review by the municipality where the property is located. The change allows towns to opt into an expedited approval process to bypass hearing and permitting requirements that often slow conversion projects.

In order to be converted into residential developments, properties would still need to meet applicable building and fire codes under Senate Bill 1444. The proposal requires towns and cities to decide on a conversion application within 65 days of its submission.

Senator Rahman Leads Passage of Bill to Convert Unused Properties into Homes

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Leads Passage of Bill to Convert Unused Properties into Homes

Senator MD Rahman, co-chairman of the Planning and Development Committee, led passage Friday of a bill intended to reduce the high cost of housing by eliminating the red tape around the conversion of commercial buildings into residential developments.

Senate Bill 1444, An Act Concerning the Conversion of Commercial Real Property for Residential Use, was proposed by Senator Rahman and passed by the state Senate on a 33-3 vote. It will now head to the House for consideration during the final week of the session.

The legislation would boost the availability of homes in Connecticut by allowing developers to convert unused commercial space into housing, subject to summary review by the municipality where the property is located. The change allows towns to opt into an expedited approval process to bypass hearing and permitting requirements that often slow conversion projects.

“As Connecticut wrestles with an ongoing housing shortage, which inflates the cost of rent and mortgages across the state, the last thing we want to do is let properties sit vacant and become blighted,” Senator Rahman said. “This bill cuts through bureaucratic barriers and promotes the conversion of unused spaces into homes, repurposing these structures before they become eyesores.”

In order to be converted into residential developments, properties would still need to meet  applicable building and fire codes under Senate Bill 1444. The proposal requires towns and cities to decide on a conversion application within 65 days of its submission.