Housing

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 5361: AN ACT REVISING A PROVISION CONCERNING HOUSING.

HB 5361 requires municipalities to establish or designate an agency to implement affordable housing programs based on income criteria for units built under certain regulations. Municipalities must act within 120 days of a zoning commission's request to create such a program, or the housing authority must take over. The law mandates non-discriminatory selection processes for affordable housing applicants, prohibiting bias based on factors like race, gender, disability, or veteran status. This bill directly affects local governments and housing authorities, effective October 1, 2026. It revises housing statutes to standardize how affordable housing is managed and allocated.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates affordable housing programs with non-discriminatory selection, advancing tenant protections and affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Zoning

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in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 5395: AN ACT CONCERNING MODULAR OR PREFABRICATED HOMES.

HB 5395 requires municipalities to allow modular or prefabricated homes (fully assembled structures made off-site) as of right on any lot zoned for single-family homes, meaning they can be built without special approval. It directly affects local governments, which must revise zoning rules to permit this development, and developers building such homes. The bill awards municipalities one-quarter housing unit-equivalent point for each qualifying home issued a certificate of occupancy, to incentivize construction. This policy change aims to increase housing options by streamlining approval for these specific home types, excluding mobile manufactured homes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires municipalities to permit modular homes on single-family lots without special approval, removing zoning barriers to increase housing supply and incentivize development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development Zoning

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signed · Connecticut · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 123: AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR CERTAIN RATE INCREASES AT ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, MUNICIPAL AGENTS FOR AGING, EMERGENCY POWER GENERATOR REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN MULTIFAMILY HOUSING PROJECTS, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR HOME HEALTH AIDE EMPLOYEES, THE NURSING HOME BED MORATORIUM AND NURSING HOME RESIDENT DATA.

SB 123 requires assisted living facilities to hold public informational hearings when increasing resident fees by more than 10% of the previous fee. Facilities must provide at least 30 days' notice before the hearing and allow residents, families, and the public to comment. This applies to all fee increases exceeding 10% (effective October 1, 2026), while exempting adjustments tied to immediate care changes or safety needs. The bill also mandates 60-day advance disclosure of all fee increases and provides residents with three years of fee history upon request. It directly affects assisted living agencies and their residents by adding transparency to significant cost changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires public hearings for assisted living fee increases, enhancing resident transparency and rights in healthcare facility pricing, aligning with patient protection indicators.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires public hearings for assisted living fee hikes >10%, enabling resident input to prevent sudden affordability issues, strengthening tenant protections in housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 5162: AN ACT AMENDING AN AUTHORIZATION OF BONDS OF THE STATE FOR A GRANT-IN-AID TO THE CONNECTICUT HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY.

HB 5162 amends Connecticut's bond authorization for the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), expanding the use of $38 million in funds to cover both emergency mortgage assistance and down payment assistance under the state's homeownership loan program. This change directly affects CHFA and Connecticut homeowners participating in the homeownership loan program (sections 8-283 to 8-289 of state statutes). The bill modifies existing funding rules to permit the same $38 million to capitalize down payment assistance, which was previously ineligible under this specific bond authorization. The amendment takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands $38M bond funds to cover emergency mortgage and down payment assistance, directly increasing homeownership support under CHFA programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance Mortgages

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in committee · Connecticut · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 5105: AN ACT EXEMPTING HANDICAP RAMPS FOR RESIDENTIAL USE FROM THE SALES AND USE TAXES.

HB 5105 would exempt handicap ramps purchased for residential use from the state's sales and use taxes. This directly affects homeowners with disabilities who need these ramps installed at their primary residence. The bill amends tax law to remove the sales tax requirement specifically for residential handicap ramps, making them more affordable. It does not change tax rules for commercial or non-residential ramp installations. The policy change is limited to removing an existing tax burden on these essential accessibility devices.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts residential handicap ramps from sales tax, providing direct tax relief for homeowners with disabilities (a lower-income group) by reducing a specific tax burden.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExempts residential handicap ramps from sales tax, reducing costs for homeowners with disabilities and increasing housing accessibility for a vulnerable group.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Property Taxes

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passed · Connecticut · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 5226: AN ACT CONCERNING MOBILE MANUFACTURED HOMES AND MOBILE MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS.

HB 5226 requires Connecticut municipalities with populations over 15,000 to establish fair rent commissions by January 1, 2028, and all municipalities containing mobile manufactured home parks must join a regional fair rent commission. These commissions will handle rent complaints for non-seasonal mobile home spaces, investigate excessive charges, and hold public hearings to address issues affecting mobile home residents and park owners. The bill creates a framework for regional commissions (managed through regional councils) and mandates specific member requirements, including resident representation. It directly affects mobile home park residents, landlords, and local governments responsible for implementing the new commission structure. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates fair rent commissions to address excessive charges and protect mobile home tenants, strengthening tenant rights in affordable housing sector.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 5360: AN ACT CONCERNING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND TENANT SCREENING.

This bill prohibits landlords from denying rental applications based solely on credit history when the applicant is a victim of domestic violence, as defined by state law. Landlords may charge a capped fee (up to $50 plus annual inflation adjustment) for tenant screening reports but must provide applicants with a copy of the report or instructions to obtain it, along with a receipt. To qualify for the protection, applicants can submit a counselor letter, police report, or valid court order related to domestic violence. Violating this rule requires landlords to reimburse applicants for fees paid and cover attorney costs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects domestic violence victims from housing discrimination, aligning with criminal justice reform by enhancing victim safety and access to housing.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits rental denial based on credit history for domestic violence victims, strengthening tenant protections and preventing housing discrimination per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Policing Tenant Rights

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passed · Connecticut · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 5394: AN ACT CONCERNING THE UNIFORM RELOCATION ASSISTANCE ACT.

HB 5394 updates Connecticut's relocation assistance rules for people displaced from homes due to government actions like redevelopment or code enforcement. It sets a $4,000 limit for payments to help displaced homeowners cover rent for up to four years or a down payment on a new safe, decent home (with a $2,000 matching requirement for larger down payments). Landlords become financially responsible for relocation costs if tenants are displaced due to local code enforcement, and towns/cities can place liens on landlords' property to recover these payments. This bill directly affects displaced homeowners, tenants, landlords, and municipalities managing relocation programs, replacing outdated provisions with clearer payment standards effective October 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides $4,000 relocation assistance for displaced homeowners/tenants, mandates landlord responsibility for code enforcement displacements, strengthening tenant protections and housing stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Community Development Renters

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in committee · Connecticut · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 5260: AN ACT PROHIBITING A MUNICIPALITY FROM IMPOSING A PENALTY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING.

HB 5260 prohibits municipalities from penalizing homeless individuals for specific daily activities in public spaces. It directly affects homeless people by ensuring they cannot be punished for moving freely, sleeping in legally parked vehicles, using public hygiene facilities, or performing basic needs like eating, resting, or seeking medical care in public. Key provisions ban local ordinances that restrict these activities, while allowing safety-related restrictions for public health or welfare. The bill excludes school properties, airports, and interior building areas from its definition of "public place." It takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits criminalizing homelessness for basic activities like sleeping or using public facilities, reducing unnecessary criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits penalties for homeless individuals seeking medical care in public spaces, improving access to healthcare services.80% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directly protects homeless individuals from penalties for basic needs in public, addressing homelessness - a core housing issue per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Homelessness

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in committee · Connecticut · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 5258: AN ACT CONCERNING TENANT ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

HB 5258 protects tenant organizing rights by requiring landlords to permit specific activities related to tenant organizations. The bill mandates that landlords allow tenants, tenant organizers, and their agents to distribute materials, conduct door-to-door surveys, hold meetings in common areas, and post information - without requiring prior permission - provided these activities are reasonable and lawful. It directly affects tenants seeking to form or join tenant organizations and landlords managing residential properties. Key provisions define "tenant organization" as tenant-led groups addressing housing issues and prohibit landlords from blocking these activities, except for standard community space reservation rules. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects tenant organizing rights by mandating landlord accommodations for tenant activities, directly strengthening tenant protections in housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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