HB 5243 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM PLAN FOR THE GREATER MYSTIC AREA.

HB 5243 authorizes Connecticut to issue up to $8 million in state bonds for economic development in the greater Mystic area (Groton and Stonington). The funds will finance specific projects including dock/pier improvements, parking garage construction, shuttle boat service, and riverwalk enhancements. These projects aim to boost local economic activity and tourism infrastructure. The bonds are general state obligations, repaid through state appropriations, with funding effective July 1, 2026.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

House Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Signed into Law

Jun 2026

Introduced Feb 19, 2026 Signed Jun 2, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → CE Joint Favorable Substitute · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was fundamentally rewritten to replace a funding authorization with the creation of a temporary working group. Instead of authorizing up to $8 million in state bonds for infrastructure projects, the new version establishes a committee to develop a strategic plan for economic development and tourism in the Greater Mystic area. The bill now focuses on identifying potential funding sources and infrastructure needs rather than immediately spending money.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from direct financial authorization (issuing bonds) to strategic planning and advisory functions.

FISCAL

Removed the authorization for the State Bond Commission to issue up to $8 million in bonds.

REQUIREMENT

Removed the requirement that bond proceeds be used for specific projects like docks, parking garages, and shuttle boat services.

Added the creation of a working group consisting of committee members, state commissioners, and local officials to develop a comprehensive plan.

Added a mandate for the working group to examine federal and state funding sources for restoring the breakwater in Stonington Harbor.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from July 1, 2026, to 'from passage,' and established a new deadline of January 1, 2027, for submitting the final report.

SCOPE

Expanded the scope to explicitly include examining transportation options and coastal resiliency improvements in the plan.

Floor votes · Senate May 6, 2026 · House Apr 27, 2026

How they voted

36–0

Passed

Total votes 36

May 6, 2026

D Democratic25

25 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican11

11 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 2, 2026

Signed into law

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

lower

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. PASSED, HO. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

May 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. ADOPTED HO. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

Apr 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE PASSED, HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

lower

Apr 27, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE ADOPTED HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

lower

Mar 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Commerce

lower

8 primary · 0 co-sponsors