Connecticut Senate Weighs Reworked Housing Bill After House Passage

The House approved the housing package 90-56 after roughly seven hours of debate, and the Senate continued deliberations late into Thursday night. The bill enables commercial-to-residential conversions as of right if plans meet zoning and building codes, drawing GOP warnings about local control and Democratic claims it will unlock vacant sites. Regional councils of government would write housing plans that towns can join for incentives, with grants for communities that build and a requirement for fair rent commissions in municipalities over 15,000 residents. The Senate separately passed a $500 million emergency fund 27-8 to ensure federal-style assistance can continue during funding disruptions, following a 126-20 vote in the House. Lawmakers advanced related measures including Trust Act changes requiring warrants for courthouse arrests and a mask ban in courthouses, while a UConn Health borrowing plan for Waterbury Hospital awaited Senate action.