AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONVERSION OF VACANT MOTELS TO MULTIFAMILY HOUSING.

HB 6496 allows municipalities to convert vacant motels into multifamily housing without special permits (as of right) if the motel has been vacant for a specified period or was seized for neglect. It creates a state-administered incentive program through the Department of Housing to encourage municipalities to adopt this conversion process. The bill directly affects motel owners seeking to repurpose properties and local governments responsible for zoning approvals. Key provisions require municipalities to permit such conversions automatically under the defined vacancy or seizure conditions, streamlining the process for housing development. This policy change aims to increase housing supply by repurposing underutilized motel properties.