Overview
- The House passed the reworked housing bill 90–56 after roughly seven hours of debate during a special session.
- The measure lets owners convert qualified commercial properties to housing as of right by meeting local zoning and building codes, removing special-permit hurdles.
- Regional councils of governments would craft housing plans for member towns, with state incentives such as infrastructure funding for participants.
- Republican leaders argue the bill erodes local land-use control, while the Connecticut Council of Small Towns offered qualified support as a workable compromise.
- Lawmakers also took up proposals for a $500 million emergency fund, borrowing authority for a UConn Health acquisition of Waterbury Hospital, and courthouse warrant and mask policies.