HB 5235 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR THE REMOVAL OF ENCAMPMENTS ON PROPERTY UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

HB 5235 requires Connecticut's Commissioner of Transportation to develop a plan by January 2027 for addressing temporary shelters by people experiencing homelessness on state highway areas or DOT-owned property. The plan must include trained outreach procedures respecting dignity, immediate offers of emergency shelter assistance, and coordination with local municipalities, housing authorities, and service providers before any action is taken. It directly affects DOT operations, homeless individuals on state property, and local service providers who must collaborate in implementing the plan. The bill does not create new funding or penalties but mandates structured coordination to manage encampments.

Issues: ✓ Housing

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 18, 2026 Last action Apr 16, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → TRA Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was rewritten to replace a mandate for the Department of Transportation to create a general homelessness response plan with a requirement to provide at least 14 days' written notice before removing encampments. The new version also establishes a joint study between the Departments of Transportation and Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop best practices for humane removal and coordination with local agencies.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from requiring a broad strategic plan to implementing specific procedural standards for encampment removal, including mandatory notice periods and a new interagency study.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced the requirement to develop a general response plan with a mandate to provide at least 14 days' written notice before removing encampments, except in cases of public safety or infrastructure emergencies.

Added a requirement for the Commissioners of Transportation and Mental Health and Addiction Services to jointly study and recommend best practices for humane removal, outreach, and coordination with local services.

DEFINITION

Introduced new definitions for 'removal,' 'encampment,' and 'personal property' to clarify what constitutes an encampment and what items must be protected during removal.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the act from October 1, 2026, to 'from passage,' and adjusted the deadline for submitting the study results from January 15, 2027, to remain consistent with the new timeline.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 16, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable

lower

Apr 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Housing

lower

Mar 16, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Transportation

lower

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors