HB 6641 — AN ACT CONCERNING THE REMOTE AND ONLINE PROVISION OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES.

LCO(d) 5486Registration {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06610made pursuant to subsection (c) of 46this R01-HB.docxsection }shall Raisedbe Billmailed, sent by electronic mail or delivered to the town clerk of the municipality in which the residential property is located and include (1) the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the registrant and, if the registrant is an entity or an individual who resides out-of-state, the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of a direct contact in the state, provided such a direct contact is HB6641 / File No.

6641547 (d)10 RegistrationHB6641 madeFile pursuantNo. to subsection (c) of this section shall be mailed, sent by electronic mail or delivered to the town clerk of the municipality in which the residential property is located and include (1) the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of the registrant and, if the registrant is an entity or an individual who resides out-of-state, the name, address, telephone number and electronic mail address of a direct contact in the state, provided such a direct contact is available;

547 available;

A copy of such notice shall be sent by first class mail or LCOelectronic 5486mail {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06611to the person, property maintenance company or other entity responsible for the security and maintenance of 46the R01-HB.docxresidential }property Raiseddesignated Billon No.the registration.

6641 electronic mail to the person, property maintenance company or other entity responsible for the security and maintenance of the residential property designated on the registration.

If the registrant,HB6641 registrant's/ contactFile orNo. registrant's agent does not remedy the condition or conditions on such registrant's property before the date followingthedatespecifiedinsuchnotice,themunicipalitymayenforce its rights under the relevant provisions of the general statutes or of any municipal ordinance.

547 11 HB6641 File No.

547 registrant, registrant's contact or registrant's agent does not remedy the condition or conditions on such registrant's property before the date followingthedatespecifiedinsuchnotice,themunicipalitymayenforce its rights under the relevant provisions of the general statutes or of any municipal ordinance.

(j) An authorized official of the municipality may file a civil action in Superior Court to collect the penalties imposed pursuant to subsections LCO(h) 5486and {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066412(i) of 46this R01-HB.docxsection, }which Raisedpenalties Billshall No.be payable to the treasurer of such municipality.

6641 (h) and (i) of this section, which penalties shall be payable to the treasurer of such municipality.

Sec.HB6641 / File No.

547 12 HB6641 File No.

547 Sec.

(3) that if he does not LCOdemand 5486such {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664113a ofhearing, 46an R01-HB.docxassessment }and Raisedjudgment Billshall No.enter against him;

6641 demand such a hearing, an assessment and judgment shall enter against him;

(d) If the person who is sent notice pursuant to subsection (c) of this section wishes to admit liability for any alleged violation, such person may, without requesting a hearing, pay the full amount of the fines, penalties,HB6641 costs/ orFile feesNo. admitted to in person or by mail to an official designated by the town, city or borough.

547 13 HB6641 File No.

547 penalties, costs or fees admitted to in person or by mail to an official designated by the town, city or borough.

A LCOperson 5486wishing {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06614to contest his liability shall appear at the hearing in person or by means of 46electronic R01-HB.docxequipment, }and Raisedmay Billpresent No.evidence in his behalf.

6641 person wishing to contest his liability shall appear at the hearing in person or by means of electronic equipment, and may present evidence in his behalf.

The rules regarding the admissibilityHB6641 of/ evidenceFile shallNo. not be strictly applied, but all testimony shall be given under oath or affirmation.

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547 admissibility of evidence shall not be strictly applied, but all testimony shall be given under oath or affirmation.

Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the hearing officer's assessment, when so entered as a judgment, shall have the effect of a civil money judgment and a levy of LCOexecution 5486on {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664115such ofjudgment 46may R01-HB.docxissue }without Raisedfurther Billnotice No.to such person.

6641 execution on such judgment may issue without further notice to such person.

Section 7-245 of the general statutes is repealed and the followingHB6641 is/ substitutedFile inNo. lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):

547 15 HB6641 File No.

547 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):

(4) "construct a sewerage system" means to acquire land, easements, rights-of-way or any other real or personal property or any interest therein,plan,construct,reconstruct,therein,plan,construct,reconstruct,equip,extendandenlargeallorany equip,extendandenlargeallorany part of a sewerage system;

(6) "decentralized wastewater management district" means areas of a LCOmunicipality 5486designated {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06616by the municipality through a municipal ordinance when an engineering report has determined that the existing subsurfacesewagedisposalsystemsmaybedetrimentaltopublichealth or the environment and that decentralized systems are required and such report is approved by the Commissioner of 46Energy R01-HB.docxand }Environmental RaisedProtection Billwith No.concurring approval by the Commissioner of Public Health, after consultation with the local director of health;

6641 municipality designated by the municipality through a municipal ordinance when an engineering report has determined that the existing subsurfacesewagedisposalsystemsmaybedetrimentaltopublichealth or the environment and that decentralized systems are required and such report is approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection with concurring approval by the Commissioner of Public Health, after consultation with the local director of health;

(8) "municipality" means any metropolitan district, town, consolidated town and city, consolidated town and borough, city, borough, village, fire and sewer district, sewer district and each municipalHB6641 organization/ havingFile authorityNo. to levy and collect taxes;

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547 municipal organization having authority to levy and collect taxes;

LCO(a)Thewaterpollutioncontrolauthoritymayestablishandrevisefair 5486and {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06617reasonable ofcharges 46for R01-HB.docxconnection }with Raisedand Billfor No.the use of a sewerage system.

6641 (a)Thewaterpollutioncontrolauthoritymayestablishandrevisefair and reasonable charges for connection with and for the use of a sewerage system.

Such hearing mayHB6641 be/ conductedFile inNo. person or by means of electronic equipment.

Notice547 of17 theHB6641 time,File placeNo. and purpose of such hearing shall be published atleasttendaysbeforethedatethereof[inanewspaperhavingageneral circulation in the municipality] on the Internet web site of the municipality.Acopyoftheproposedchargesshallbeonfileintheoffice oftheclerkofthemunicipality andavailablefor inspectionbythepublic for at least ten days before the date of such hearing.

547 may be conducted in person or by means of electronic equipment.

Notice of the time, place and purpose of such hearing shall be published atleasttendaysbeforethedatethereof [inanewspaperhavingageneral circulation in the municipality] on the Internet web site of the municipality.Acopyoftheproposedchargesshallbeonfileintheoffice oftheclerkofthemunicipality andavailablefor inspectionbythepublic for at least ten days before the date of such hearing.

In establishing or revising such charges the water pollution controlauthoritymayclassifythepropertyconnectedortobeconnected with the sewer system and the users of such system, including categories of industrial users, and may give consideration to any factors relating to the kind, quality or extent of use of any such property or classification of property or users including, but not limited to, (1) the LCOvolume 5486of {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06618water discharged to the sewerage system, (2) the type or size of 46building R01-HB.docxconnected }with Raisedthe Billsewerage No.system, (3) the number of plumbing fixtures connected with the sewerage system, (4) the number of persons customarily using the property served by the sewerage system, (5) in the case of commercial or industrial property, the average number of employees and guests using the property and (6) the quality and character of the material discharged into the sewerage system.

6641 volume of water discharged to the sewerage system, (2) the type or size of building connected with the sewerage system, (3) the number of plumbing fixtures connected with the sewerage system, (4) the number of persons customarily using the property served by the sewerage system, (5) in the case of commercial or industrial property, the average number of employees and guests using the property and (6) the quality and character of the material discharged into the sewerage system.

(b)HB6641 Any/ municipalityFile may,No. by ordinance, provide for the payment to the water pollution control authority by such municipality of the whole or a portion of such charges for specified classifications of property or users, provided such classifications are established by the water pollution control authority in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and meet the requirements of the federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, P.L.

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547 (b) Any municipality may, by ordinance, provide for the payment to the water pollution control authority by such municipality of the whole or a portion of such charges for specified classifications of property or users, provided such classifications are established by the water pollution control authority in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and meet the requirements of the federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, P.L.

LCOThe 5486water {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066419pollution control authority may order the owner of 46any R01-HB.docxbuilding }to Raisedwhich Billa No.sewerage system is available to connect such building with the system or order the owner to construct and connect the building to an alternative sewage treatment system.

6641 The water pollution control authority may order the owner of any building to which a sewerage system is available to connect such building with the system or order the owner to construct and connect the building to an alternative sewage treatment system.

Sec.HB6641 / File No.

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547 Sec.

(3) an itemized estimate of anticipated revenues during the ensuing fiscal year from each source other than from local property taxes and an estimate of the amount which shouldberaised by localpropertytaxationfor suchensuing fiscal LCOyear; 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664120 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641 year;

The board shall submit such estimate with its recommendations to the annual town meeting next ensuing, and such meeting shall take action upon such estimate and recommendations, and make such specific appropriations as appear advisable, but no appropriation shall be made exceeding in amount that for the same purpose recommended by the board and no appropriation shall be made for any purpose not recommendedHB6641 by/ theFile board.No.

547 20 HB6641 File No.

547 recommended by the board.

The provisions of this sectionshall not beconstruedaspreventing atownfrommaking further appropriations upon the recommendation of its board of finance at a special town meeting held after the annual town meeting and prior to the laying of the tax for the current year, and any appropriations made LCOat 5486such {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06621special oftown 46meeting R01-HB.docxshall }be Raisedincluded Billin No.the amount to be raised by thetax laidby theboardoffinance under theprovisionsofthis section.

6641 at such special town meeting shall be included in the amount to be raised by thetax laidby theboardoffinance under theprovisionsofthis section.

The secretary or clerk of each regulatory board of a political subdivision of the state, adopting subdivision or zoning regulations pursuant to the general statutes or a special act, shall publish such regulationsonHB6641 theInternet/ webFile siteNo. ofthe subdivision and make printed copies of such regulations available to the public at a reasonable price upon request.

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547 regulationson theInternet web site ofthe subdivision and make printed copies of such regulations available to the public at a reasonable price upon request.

The [written] appeal shallinclude,but isnotlimitedto,thepropertyowner'sname,name and position of the signer, description of the property which is the subject of the appeal, name, [and] mailing address and electronic mail address of the party to be sent all correspondence by the board of assessment LCOappeals, 5486reason {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066422for the appeal, appellant's estimate of 46value, R01-HB.docxsignature }of Raisedproperty Billowner, No.or duly authorized agent of the property owner, and date of signature.

6641 appeals, reason for the appeal, appellant's estimate of value, signature of property owner, or duly authorized agent of the property owner, and date of signature.

Such written notification shall includeHB6641 information/ describingFile theNo. property owner's right to appeal the determination of such board.

547 22 HB6641 File No.

547 include information describing the property owner's right to appeal the determination of such board.

but, before proceeding to increase the assessment of any person or to add to the grand list the name of any person so omitted, it shall mail to such person, postage paid, at least one week before making such increase or addition, a written or printed notice addressed to such person at the town in which such person resides, to appear before such LCOboard 5486and {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06623show ofcause 46why R01-HB.docxsuch }increase Raisedor Billaddition No.should not be made.

6641 board and show cause why such increase or addition should not be made.

(b) If an extension is granted to any assessor or board of assessors pursuantHB6641 to/ sectionFile 12-117,No. as amended by this act, the date by which a taxpayer shall be required to submit a [written] request for appeal to the board of assessment appeals shall be extended to March twentieth and said board shall conduct hearings regarding such requests during the month of April.

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547 pursuant to section 12-117, as amended by this act, the date by which a taxpayer shall be required to submit a [written] request for appeal to the board of assessment appeals shall be extended to March twentieth and said board shall conduct hearings regarding such requests during the month of April.

The board of assessment appeals may reduce the assessment of any person as reflected on the grand list by reducing the valuation, number, quantity or amount of any item of estate therein, or by deleting any item LCOwhich 5486ought {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066424not ofto 46be R01-HB.docxretained }in Raisedit, Billprovided No.any such reduction or deletion shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of said board.

6641 which ought not to be retained in it, provided any such reduction or deletion shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting of said board.

Sec.HB6641 / File No.

547 24 HB6641 File No.

547 Sec.

(b) If, in the assessment year in which a revaluation is required to be effective, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management LCOdetermines, 5486on {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066425the basis of 46information R01-HB.docxprovided }[, Raisedin Billwriting,] No.by the board of assessment appeals and the chief executive officer, that the number of appeals pending before such board is such as to preclude fair and equitable consideration of such appeals within the extended period of time provided under subsection (a) of this section, the secretary may authorize a postponement of the implementation of said revaluation until the assessment day next ensuing.

6641 determines, on the basis of information provided [, in writing,] by the board of assessment appeals and the chief executive officer, that the number of appeals pending before such board is such as to preclude fair and equitable consideration of such appeals within the extended period of time provided under subsection (a) of this section, the secretary may authorize a postponement of the implementation of said revaluation until the assessment day next ensuing.

The real property grand list from which such appeals are taken shall then become the real property grand list for the assessment day next ensuing, subject only to transfers of ownership, additions for new construction, reductions for demolitions and such adjustments as are authorized by the board of assessment appeals, unless the assessor revalues all real property for saidHB6641 assessment/ dayFile inNo. accordance with section 12-62.

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547 said assessment day in accordance with section 12-62.

If the assessor or board of LCOassessors 5486failsto {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06626comply ofwiththenotice 46requirementsinthis R01-HB.docxsubsection, }any Raisedsuch Billincrease No.shall not take effect until the next succeeding assessment date.

6641 assessors failsto comply withthenotice requirementsinthis subsection, any such increase shall not take effect until the next succeeding assessment date.

The secretary may grant such extensionHB6641 in/ theFile caseNo. of extenuating circumstance due to illness or incapacitation as evidenced by a certificate signed by a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse to that extent, or if the secretary determines there is good cause for doing so.

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547 extension in the case of extenuating circumstance due to illness or incapacitation as evidenced by a certificate signed by a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse to that extent, or if the secretary determines there is good cause for doing so.

LCOAny 5486person {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664127aggrieved by the action of 46the R01-HB.docxassessor }or Raisedagent Billin No.fixing the amount of the grant under section 12-170f, as amended by this act, or in disapproving the claim therefor may apply to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in writing or electronically in a manner prescribed by the secretary, within thirty business days from the date of notice given to such person by the assessor or agent, giving notice of such grievance.

6641 Any person aggrieved by the action of the assessor or agent in fixing the amount of the grant under section 12-170f, as amended by this act, or in disapproving the claim therefor may apply to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management in writing or electronically in a manner prescribed by the secretary, within thirty business days from the date of notice given to such person by the assessor or agent, giving notice of such grievance.

(a) No claim shall be accepted under section 12-170v unless the taxpayer or authorized agent of such taxpayer files an application with theassessorofthemunicipalityinwhichthepropertyislocated, [insuch formandmannerHB6641 as/ theFile assessorNo. may prescribe,]during theperiodfrom February first to and including May fifteenth of any year in which benefits are first claimed.

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547 formandmanner asthe assessor may prescribe,]during theperiodfrom February first to and including May fifteenth of any year in which benefits are first claimed.

The taxpayer shall present to the assessor a paper or electronic copy of such taxpayer's federal income tax return and the federal income tax return of such taxpayer's LCOspouse, 5486if {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664128filed separately, for such taxpayer's taxable year ending immediately prior to the submission of 46the R01-HB.docxtaxpayer's }application, Raisedor Billif No.not required to file a federal income tax return, such other evidence of qualifying income in respect to such taxable year as the assessor may require.

6641 spouse, if filed separately, for such taxpayer's taxable year ending immediately prior to the submission of the taxpayer's application, or if not required to file a federal income tax return, such other evidence of qualifying income in respect to such taxable year as the assessor may require.

In respect to such application required after the filing and approval for the first year the assessor ineachmunicipality shallnotify eachsuchtaxpayer concerning application requirements by [regular] mail, or, at the taxpayer's option, electronicHB6641 mail,/ notFile laterNo. than February first of the assessment year in which such taxpayer is required to reapply, [enclosing] providing a copy of the required application form.

547 28 HB6641 File No.

547 electronic mail, not later than February first of the assessment year in which such taxpayer is required to reapply, [enclosing] providing a copy of the required application form.

LCO(a) 5486There {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066429is established, for the assessment year commencing October 1, 1985, and each assessment year thereafter, a revised state program of 46property R01-HB.docxtax }relief Raisedfor Billcertain No.elderly homeowners as determined in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, and additionally for the assessment year commencing October 1,1986, andeachassessment year thereafter, the property tax relief benefits of such program are made available to certain homeowners who are permanently and totally disabled as determined in accordance with said subsection (b) of this section.

6641(b) (a)(1) ThereThe isprogram established,established by this section shall provide for thea assessmentreduction yearin commencingproperty Octobertax, 1,except 1985,in andthe eachcase assessmentof yearbenefits thereafter,payable as a revisedgrant stateunder programcertain circumstances in accordance with provisions in subsection (j) of propertythis taxsection, reliefapplicable forto certainthe elderlyassessed homeownersvalue asof certain real property, determined in accordance with subsection (b)(c) of this section, and additionally for theany assessment(A) yearowner commencingof Octoberreal 1,1986,property, andeachassessmentincluding yearany thereafter,owner theof real property taxheld reliefin benefitstrust offor such programowner, areprovided madesuch availableowner toor certainsuch homeownersowner whoand such owner's spouse are permanentlythe grantor and totallybeneficiary disabledof assuch determinedtrust, in(B) accordancetenant withfor saidlife subsectionor (b)tenant for a term of thisyears section.liable for property tax under section 12-48, or (C) resident of a multiple-dwelling complex HB6641 / File No.

(b)547 (1)29 TheHB6641 programFile established by this section shall provide for a reduction in property tax, except in the case of benefits payable as a grant under certain circumstances in accordance with provisions in subsection (j) of this section, applicable to the assessed value of certain real property, determined in accordance with subsection (c) of this section, for any (A) owner of real property, including any owner of real property held in trust for such owner, provided such owner or such owner and such owner's spouse are the grantor and beneficiary of such trust, (B) tenant for life or tenant for a term of years liable for property tax under section 12-48, or (C) resident of a multiple-dwelling complex under certain contractual conditions as provided in said subsection (j) of this section, who (i) at the close of the preceding calendar year has attained age sixty-five or over, or whose spouse domiciled with such homeowner, has attained age sixty-five or over at the close of the preceding calendar year,or isfiftyyearsofageoroverandthesurviving spouse of a homeowner who at the time of his death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief under this section, provided such spouse was domiciled with such homeowner at the time of his death or (ii) at the close of the preceding calendar year has not attained age sixty-five and is eligible in accordance with applicable federal regulations to receive permanent totaldisability benefitsunder SocialSecurity,or hasnot been engaged in employment covered by Social Security and accordingly has not qualified for benefits thereunder but who has become qualified for permanent total disability benefits under any federal, state or local government retirement or disability plan, including the Railroad LCO 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664130 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641547 under certain contractual conditions as provided in said subsection (j) of this section, who (i) at the close of the preceding calendar year has attained age sixty-five or over, or whose spouse domiciled with such homeowner, has attained age sixty-five or over at the close of the preceding calendar year,or isfiftyyearsofageoroverandthesurviving spouse of a homeowner who at the time of his death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief under this section, provided such spouse was domiciled with such homeowner at the time of his death or (ii) at the close of the preceding calendar year has not attained age sixty-five and is eligible in accordance with applicable federal regulations to receive permanent totaldisability benefitsunder SocialSecurity,or hasnot been engaged in employment covered by Social Security and accordingly has not qualified for benefits thereunder but who has become qualified for permanent total disability benefits under any federal, state or local government retirement or disability plan, including the Railroad Retirement Act and any government-related teacher's retirement plan, determined by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to containrequirementsinrespecttoqualificationforsuchpermanenttotal disability benefits which are comparable to such requirements under Social Security;

The amount of tax reduction provided under this section, determined in accordance with and subject to the variable factors in the schedule of amounts of tax reduction in subsectionHB6641 (c)/ ofFile thisNo. section, shall be allowed only with respect to a residential dwelling owned by such qualified homeowner and used as such homeowner's primary place of residence.

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547 subsection (c) of this section, shall be allowed only with respect to a residential dwelling owned by such qualified homeowner and used as such homeowner's primary place of residence.

LCO(2)The 5486amountsofqualifying {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06631income asprovidedinthis sectionshall be adjusted annually in a uniform manner to reflect the annual inflation adjustment in Social Security income, with each such adjustment of 46qualifying R01-HB.docxincome }determined Raisedto Billthe No.nearest one hundred dollars.

6641 (2)The amountsofqualifying income asprovidedinthis sectionshall be adjusted annually in a uniform manner to reflect the annual inflation adjustment in Social Security income, with each such adjustment of qualifying income determined to the nearest one hundred dollars.

AnHB6641 applicant/ whoFile isNo. legally separated pursuant to the provisions of section 46b-40, as of the thirty-first day of December preceding the date on which such person files an application for a grant in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, may apply as an unmarried person and shallberegardedassuchforpurposesofdeterminingqualifyingincome under said subsection.

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547 An applicant who is legally separated pursuant to the provisions of section 46b-40, as of the thirty-first day of December preceding the date on which such person files an application for a grant in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, may apply as an unmarried person and shallberegardedassuchforpurposesofdeterminingqualifyingincome under said subsection.

T1 Qualifying Income Tax Reduction Tax Reduction T2 As Percentage For Any Year T3 Over Not Exceeding Of Property Tax T4 Married Homeowners Maximum Minimum LCOT5 5486$ {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066320 $11,700 50% $1,250 $400 T6 11,700 15,900 40 1,000 350 T7 15,900 19,700 30 750 250 T8 19,700 23,600 20 500 150 T9 23,600 28,900 10 250 150 T10 28,900 None T11 Unmarried Homeowners T12 $ 0 $11,700 40% $1,000 $350 T13 11,700 15,900 30 750 250 T14 15,900 19,700 20 500 150 T15 19,700 23,600 10 250 150 T16 23,600 None (d) Any homeowner qualified for tax reduction in accordance with subsection (b) of 46this R01-HB.docxsection }in Raisedan Billamount No.to be determined under the schedule of such tax reduction in subsection (c) of this section, shall in no event receive less in tax reduction than theminimum amount of such reduction applicable to the qualifying income of such homeowner according to the schedule in said subsection (c).

6641HB6641 T5/ $File 0No. $11,700 50% $1,250 $400 T6 11,700 15,900 40 1,000 350 T7 15,900 19,700 30 750 250 T8 19,700 23,600 20 500 150 T9 23,600 28,900 10 250 150 T10 28,900 None T11 Unmarried Homeowners T12 $ 0 $11,700 40% $1,000 $350 T13 11,700 15,900 30 750 250 T14 15,900 19,700 20 500 150 T15 19,700 23,600 10 250 150 T16 23,600 None (d) Any homeowner qualified for tax reduction in accordance with subsection (b) of this section in an amount to be determined under the schedule of such tax reduction in subsection (c) of this section, shall in no event receive less in tax reduction than theminimum amount of such reduction applicable to the qualifying income of such homeowner according to the schedule in said subsection (c).

(e)547 Any32 claimHB6641 forFile taxNo. reduction under this section shall be submitted for approval, on the application form prepared for such purpose by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in the first year claim for such tax relief is filed and biennially thereafter.

547 (e) Any claim for tax reduction under this section shall be submitted for approval, on the application form prepared for such purpose by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in the first year claim for such tax relief is filed and biennially thereafter.

In the case of any homeowner who is eligible for tax reduction LCOunder 5486this {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06633section as a result of 46increases R01-HB.docxin }qualifying Raisedincome, Billeffective No.with respect to the assessment year commencing October 1, 1987, under the schedule of qualifying income and tax reduction in subsection (c) of this section, exclusive of any such increases related to social security adjustments in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the total amount of tax reduction to which such homeowner is entitled shall be credited and uniformly prorated against property tax installment payments applicable to such homeowner's residence which become due after such homeowner's application for tax reduction under this section is accepted.

6641 under this section as a result of increases in qualifying income, effective with respect to the assessment year commencing October 1, 1987, under the schedule of qualifying income and tax reduction in subsection (c) of this section, exclusive of any such increases related to social security adjustments in accordance with subsection (b) of this section, the total amount of tax reduction to which such homeowner is entitled shall be credited and uniformly prorated against property tax installment payments applicable to such homeowner's residence which become due after such homeowner's application for tax reduction under this section is accepted.

Such homeowner may submit such application to the assessor by mail or electronicHB6641 mail,/ inFile aNo. manner prescribed by the assessor, provided it is received by the assessor not later than April fifteenth in the assessment year with respect to which such tax reduction is claimed.

547 33 HB6641 File No.

547 electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the assessor, provided it is received by the assessor not later than April fifteenth in the assessment year with respect to which such tax reduction is claimed.

In the year immediately following any year in which such homeowner has submitted application and qualified for tax reduction in accordance with this section, such homeowner shall be LCOpresumed, 5486without {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06634filing application therefor, to be qualified for tax reduction in accordance with the schedule in subsection (c) of 46this R01-HB.docxsection }in Raisedthe Billsame No.percentage of property tax as allowed in the year immediately preceding.

6641 presumed, without filing application therefor, to be qualified for tax reduction in accordance with the schedule in subsection (c) of this section in the same percentage of property tax as allowed in the year immediately preceding.

The secretary may grantHB6641 such/ extensionFile inNo. the case of extenuating circumstance due to illness or incapacitation as evidenced by a certificate signed by a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse to that extent, or if the secretary determines there is good cause for doing so.

547 34 HB6641 File No.

547 grant such extension in the case of extenuating circumstance due to illness or incapacitation as evidenced by a certificate signed by a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse to that extent, or if the secretary determines there is good cause for doing so.

In making application the homeowner shall present to such assessor, in substantiation of such homeowner's application, a copy of such homeowner's federal income tax return, including a copy of the Social Security statement of earnings for such homeowner, and that of such homeowner's spouse, if filed separately, for such homeowner's taxable year ending immediately prior to the submission of such application, or LCOif 5486not {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06635required to file a return, such other evidence of 46qualifying R01-HB.docxincome }in Raisedrespect Billto No.such taxable year as may be required by the assessor.

6641 if not required to file a return, such other evidence of qualifying income in respect to such taxable year as may be required by the assessor.

Subject to procedures for review and approval of such data pursuant to sectionHB6641 12-120b,/ saidFile secretaryNo. shall, on or before December fifteenth next following, certify to the Comptroller the amount due each municipality as reimbursement for loss of property tax revenue related to the tax reductions allowed under this section, except that the secretary may reduce the amount due as reimbursement under this section by up to one hundred per cent for any municipality that is not eligible for a grant under section 32-9s.

547 35 HB6641 File No.

547 section 12-120b, said secretary shall, on or before December fifteenth next following, certify to the Comptroller the amount due each municipality as reimbursement for loss of property tax revenue related to the tax reductions allowed under this section, except that the secretary may reduce the amount due as reimbursement under this section by up to one hundred per cent for any municipality that is not eligible for a grant under section 32-9s.

Any claimant aggrieved by the results ofthe secretary'sreview shall have the LCOrights 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066436 of 46appeal R01-HB.docxas }set Raisedforth Billin No.section 12-120b.

6641 rights of appeal as set forth in section 12-120b.

(i) If any person with respect to whom a claim for tax reduction in accordance with this section has been approved for any assessment year transfers, assigns, grants or otherwise conveys on or after the first day of October but prior to the first day of August in such assessment year the interest in real property to which such claim for tax credit is related, regardless of whether such transfer, assignment, grant or conveyance is voluntary or involuntary, the amount of such tax credit shall be a pro rataHB6641 portion/ ofFile theNo. amount otherwise applicable in such assessment year to be determined by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of full months from the first day of October in such assessment year to the date of such conveyance and the denominator of which shall be twelve.

547 36 HB6641 File No.

547 rata portion of the amount otherwise applicable in such assessment year to be determined by a fraction the numerator of which shall be the number of full months from the first day of October in such assessment year to the date of such conveyance and the denominator of which shall be twelve.

The grantee shall be required within a period not exceeding ten days immediately following the date of such conveyance to notify the assessor thereof by mail or electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the assessor, or in the absence of such notice, upon determination by the LCOassessor 5486that {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066437such transfer, assignment, grant or conveyance has occurred, the assessor shall (1) determine the amount of 46tax R01-HB.docxreduction }to Raisedwhich Billthe No.grantor is entitled for such assessment year with respect to the interest in real property conveyed and notify the tax collector of the reduced amount of tax reduction applicable to such interest and (2) notify theSecretary oftheOffice ofPolicy and Management onor before the October first immediately following the end of the assessment year in which such conveyance occurs of the reduction in such tax reduction for purposes of a corresponding adjustment in the amount of state payment to the municipality next following as reimbursement for the revenue loss related to such tax reductions.

6641On assessoror thatafter suchDecember transfer,1, assignment,1987, grantany ormunicipality conveyancewhich hasneglects occurred,to thetransmit assessorto shallthe (1)Secretary determineof the amountOffice of taxPolicy reductionand toManagement which the grantorclaim isas entitledrequired forby suchthis assessmentsection yearshall withforfeit respecttwo hundred fifty dollars to the intereststate inprovided realthe propertysecretary conveyedmay andwaive notifysuchforfeiture inaccordance withproceduresandstandards established by regulationsadoptedinaccordance with chapter 54.Upon receipt of such notice from the assessor, the tax collector ofshall, theif reducedsuch amountnotice ofis received after the tax reductiondue applicabledate toin suchthe interestmunicipality, andwithin (2)ten notifydays theSecretarythereafter oftheOfficemail, ofPolicy[or] andhand, Managementor onordeliver beforeby electronic mail, at the Octobergrantee's firstoption, immediatelya followingbill to the endgrantee ofstating the assessmentadditional yearamount inof whichtax suchdue conveyanceasdeterminedby occurstheassessor.Suchtax ofshallbedue andpayable and collectible as other property taxes and subject to the reductionsame inliens and processes of collection, provided such tax reductionshall forbe purposesdue ofand apayable correspondingin adjustmentan ininitial theor amountsingle ofinstallment statenot paymentsooner tothan thirty days after the municipalitydate nextsuch followingbill asis reimbursementmailed foror handed to the revenuegrantee lossand relatedin toequal suchamounts taxin reductions.any HB6641 / File No.

On547 or37 afterHB6641 DecemberFile 1,No. 1987, any municipality which neglects to transmit to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management the claim as required by this section shall forfeit two hundred fifty dollars to the state provided the secretary may waive suchforfeiture inaccordance withproceduresandstandards established by regulationsadoptedinaccordance with chapter 54.Upon receipt of such notice from the assessor, the tax collector shall, if such notice is received after the tax due date in the municipality, within ten days thereafter mail, [or] hand, or deliver by electronic mail, at the grantee's option, a bill to the grantee stating the additional amount of tax due asdeterminedby theassessor.Suchtax shallbedue andpayable and collectible as other property taxes and subject to the same liens and processes of collection, provided such tax shall be due and payable in an initial or single installment not sooner than thirty days after the date such bill is mailed or handed to the grantee and in equal amounts in any remaining, regular installments as the same are due and payable.

(j)547 (1)remaining, Notwithstandingregular theinstallments intent in subsections (a) to (i), inclusive, of this section to provide for benefits in the form of property tax reduction applicable to persons liable for payment of such property tax and qualified in accordance with requirements related to age and income as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a certain annual benefit, determined in amount under the provisionssame ofare subsectionsdue (c) and (d)payable. of this section but payable in a manner as prescribed in this subsection, shall be provided with respect to any person who (A) is LCO 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066438 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641(j) (1) Notwithstanding the intent in subsections (a) to (i), inclusive, of this section to provide for benefits in the form of property tax reduction applicable to persons liable for payment of such property tax and qualified in accordance with requirements related to age and income as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a certain annual benefit, determined in amount under the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section but payable in a manner as prescribed in this subsection, shall be provided with respect to any person who (A) is qualified in accordance with said requirements related to age and income as provided in subsection (b) of this section, including provisions concerning such person's spouse, and (B) is a resident of a dwelling unit within a multiple-dwelling complex containing dwelling units for occupancy by certain elderly persons under terms of a contract between such resident and the owner of such complex, in accordance with which contract such resident occupies a certain dwelling unit subject to the express provision that such resident has no legal title, interest or leasehold estate in the real or personal property of such complex, and under the terms of which contract such resident agrees to pay the owner of the complex a fee, as a condition precedent to occupancy and a monthly or other such periodic fee thereafter as a condition of continued occupancy.

(2) The amount of annual benefit payable in accordance with this subsection to any such resident, qualified as provided in subdivision (1) ofthissubsection,shall bedeterminedinrelationto anassumedamount of property tax liability applicable to the assessed value for the dwelling unit which such resident occupies, as determined by the assessor in the municipalityHB6641 inwhich/ suchFile complexNo. is situated.Annually, not later than the first day of June, the assessor in such municipality, upon receipt of an application for such benefit submitted in accordance with this subsection by mail or electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the assessor, by any such resident, shall determine, with respect to the assessment list in such municipality for the assessment year commencing October first immediately preceding, the portion of the assessed value oftheentire complex, asincludedinsuchassessment list, attributable to the dwelling unit occupied by such resident.

The547 LCO38 5486HB6641 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06639File of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641547 assumedmunicipality propertyinwhich taxsuch liabilitycomplex foris purposessituated.Annually, not later than the first day of June, the assessor in such municipality, upon receipt of an application for such benefit submitted in accordance with this subsection shallby bemail theproductofsuchassessedvalueandthemillrateinsuchmunicipalityor aselectronic determinedmail, forin purposesa ofmanner propertyprescribed taxby imposedthe onassessor, saidby any such resident, shall determine, with respect to the assessment list in such municipality for the assessment year commencing October first immediately preceding.preceding, the portion of the assessed value oftheentire complex, asincludedinsuchassessment list, attributable to the dwelling unit occupied by such resident.

The assumed property tax liability for purposes of this subsection shall be theproductofsuchassessedvalueandthemillrateinsuchmunicipality as determined for purposes of property tax imposed on said assessment list for the assessment year commencing October first immediately preceding.

(3) Any such resident entitled to a grant as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be required to submit an application to the assessor in the municipality in which such resident resides for such grant [to] by mail or electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the assessor [in the municipality in which such resident resides] at any time from February first to and including the fifteenth day of May in the year inHB6641 which/ suchFile grantNo. is claimed, on a form prescribed and furnished for such purpose by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.

547 39 HB6641 File No.

547 in which such grant is claimed, on a form prescribed and furnished for such purpose by the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.

Not later than LCOthe 5486first {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-066440day of 46July R01-HB.docxin }such Raisedyear, Billthe No.assessor shall submit to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (A) a copy of the application prepared by such resident, together with such resident's federal income tax return, if required to file such a return, and any other information submitted in relation thereto, (B) determinations of the assessor concerning the assessed value of the dwelling unit in such complex occupied by such resident, and (C) the amount of such grant approved by the assessor.

6641 the first day of July in such year, the assessor shall submit to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management (A) a copy of the application prepared by such resident, together with such resident's federal income tax return, if required to file such a return, and any other information submitted in relation thereto, (B) determinations of the assessor concerning the assessed value of the dwelling unit in such complex occupied by such resident, and (C) the amount of such grant approved by the assessor.

Any person aggrieved by the action of the assessor or assessors in fixing the amount of a credit under subsection (f) of section 12-170aa, as amendedHB6641 by/ thisFile act,No. or in disapproving the claim therefor may appeal to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, in writing or by electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the secretary, within thirty business days from the date of notice given to such person by the assessororassessors,givingnoticeofsuchgrievance.Thesecretaryshall promptly consider such notice and may grant or deny the relief requested, provided such decision shall be made not later than thirty business days after the receipt of such notice.

If547 the40 reliefHB6641 isFile denied, the LCO 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664141 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641547 applicantamended shallby bethis notifiedact, forthwithor andin disapproving the claim therefor may appeal to the decisionSecretary of the secretaryOffice of Policy and Management, in accordancewriting withor by electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the provisionssecretary, within thirty business days from the date of sectionnotice 12-120b.given to such person by the assessororassessors,givingnoticeofsuchgrievance.Thesecretaryshall promptly consider such notice and may grant or deny the relief requested, provided such decision shall be made not later than thirty business days after the receipt of such notice.

If the relief is denied, the applicant shall be notified forthwith and may appeal the decision of the secretary in accordance with the provisions of section 12-120b.

Prior to the issuance of a permit and withinsaidthirty-day period,thebuilding officialshallreviewtheplans of buildings or structures to be constructed or altered, including, but not limited to, plans prepared by an architect licensed pursuant to chapter 390, a professional engineer licensed pursuant to chapter 391 or an interior designer registered pursuant to chapter 396a acting within the scopeHB6641 of/ suchFile licenseNo. or registration, to determine their compliance with the requirements of the State Building Code and, where applicable, the local fire marshal shall review such plans to determine their compliance with the Fire Safety Code.

547 41 HB6641 File No.

547 scope of such license or registration, to determine their compliance with the requirements of the State Building Code and, where applicable, the local fire marshal shall review such plans to determine their compliance with the Fire Safety Code.

Section 29-264 of the general statutes is repealed and the LCOfollowing 5486is {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664142substituted ofin 46lieu R01-HB.docxthereof }(Effective RaisedOctober Bill1, No.2021):

6641 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2021):

(b) When the building official rejects or refuses to approve the mode or manner of construction proposed to be followed or the materials to be used in the erection or alteration of a building or structure, or when it is claimed that the provisions of the code do not apply or that an equally good or more desirable form of construction can be employed inHB6641 a/ specificFile case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of the code and regulations have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, or when the building official issues a written order under subsection (c) of section 29-261, the owner of such building or structure, whether already erected or to be erected, or his authorized agent may appeal in writing or by electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the board of appeals, from the decision of the building official to the board LCO 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-0664143 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641547 ofappeals.42 HB6641 File No.

547 in a specific case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and meaning of the code and regulations have been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted, or when the building official issues a written order under subsection (c) of section 29-261, the owner of such building or structure, whether already erected or to be erected, or his authorized agent may appeal in writing or by electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the board of appeals, from the decision of the building official to the board ofappeals.

Such appeal may be made in writing or by electronic mail, in a manner prescribed by the chiefHB6641 executive/ officer.File No.

If,547 within43 fiveHB6641 days,File exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the date of receipt of such appeal by such officer, the municipality fails to appoint a board of appeals from among either its own residents or residents of other municipalities, such officer shall file a notice of such failure with the building official from whom the appeal has been taken and, prior to such filing, mail a copy LCO 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06644 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641547 ofchief theexecutive noticeofficer. to the person taking the appeal.

If, within five days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after the date of receipt of such appeal by such officer, the municipality fails to appoint a board of appeals from among either its own residents or residents of other municipalities, such officer shall file a notice of such failure with the building official from whom the appeal has been taken and, prior to such filing, mail a copy of the notice to the person taking the appeal.

ThisHB6641 act/ shallFile takeNo. effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

547 44 HB6641 File No.

547 This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:

4 October 1, 2021 7-6 LCOSec. 5486 {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06641- 45 of 46 R01-HB.docx } Raised Bill No.

6641 Sec.

8 October 1, 2021 7-148j October 1, 2021 Sec.

9 October 1, 2021 7-148k Sec.

15 October 1, 2021 7-257 October 1, 2021 Sec.

16 October 1, 2021 7-344 Sec.

29 October 1, 2021 32-37(a) PD Joint Favorable LCOHB6641 5486/ {\\PRDFS1\HCOUSERS\BARRYJN\WS\2021HB-06641-File 46No. of 46 R01-HB.docx }

547 45 HB6641 File No.

547 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.

In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.

Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.

OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:

None Municipal Impact:

Municipalities Effect FY 22 $ FY 23 $ Various Municipalities Potential See Below See Below Cost Various Municipalities Savings See Below See Below Explanation The bill requires that town clerks provide a website to accept online payments for certain fees, allows municipalities to post certain notices online instead of in local newspapers, and permits municipalities and state agencies to provide electronic access to public meetings.

There is a cost to municipalities to providing websites for online paymentoffeestotheextentthattheydonotalreadyhavethecapability to do so.

There is also a savings from permitting municipalities to post certain notices on their website instead of in local newspapers.

As the bill allows, rather than requires, state agencies and municipalities to provide electronic access to public meetings, the bill is not anticipated to result in increased expenses for information technology or software licensing above each entity's current capacity.

The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to costs otherwise borne from posting notices in local newspapers, and municipal capacity to provide online payments.

HB6641 / File No.

547 46 HB6641 File No.

547 OLR Bill Analysis HB 6641 AN ACT CONCERNING THE REMOTE AND ONLINE PROVISION OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES.

SUMMARY This bill makes numerous changes allowing municipal entities and other public agencies to conduct business electronically.

Generally, the changes allow specified (1) notices and applications to be sent electronically and (2) hearings or meetings to be held using electronic equipment (§§ 7-15 & 17-28).

The bill also allows public agencies to hold meetings remotely under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) through conference call, videoconference, or other technology (§§ 2 & 29).

It specifically allows municipalities to hold town meetings and budget adoption proceedings using electronic equipment (§§ 3-4 & 16).

The bill allows towns, cities, and boroughs, whenever they are required by the law or a charter to advertise a legal notice in a newspaper, to instead post the notice on their websites.

It similarly allows town, city, borough, and district clerks, wherever they are required by the law or a charter to file a notice, to instead post the notice on their websites (§ 1).

Additionally, the bill requires town clerks to designate a website for paying recording fees (e.g., recording documents on the land records) andacceptpaymentsforthesefeesthroughthewebsiteinamannerthey prescribe.

It similarly imposes these requirements on registrars of vital statistics for vital records fees (e.g., birth certificates) (§§ 5 & 6).

(Typically, the town clerk serves as the registrar of vital statistics.) Lastly, the bill makes technical and conforming changes.

HB6641 / File No.

547 47 HB6641 File No.

547 EFFECTIVE DATE:

October 1, 2021 §§ 2 & 29 — FOIA Conducting Meetings Under current law, FOIA’s definition of “meeting” includes those held by electronic equipment, but it does not explicitly authorize, or establish proceduresfor,telephone or other remotely heldmeetings (see BACKGROUND).

The bill explicitly allows meetings to be held under FOIA using electronic equipment or simultaneously in-person and using electronic equipment.

(Presumably, they can also hold in-person meetings.) It requires that meetings held using either of these methods provide opportunity for comment or testimony,voting, or other participation, as applicable.

Additionally, it requires meeting participants (both agency members and the public) to state their name and title (if applicable) each time before speaking in a meeting conducted using electronic equipment.

Under the bill, "electronic equipment" means any technology facilitating real-time public access to and participation in meetings, including telephone, video, or other conferencing platforms.

Meeting Minutes Under existing law, FOIA requires (1) public agencies to make meeting minutes available in the agency's office within seven days after the meeting and (2) public agencies, other than those of political subdivisions (e.g., municipalities), to post meeting minutes on their websites within this timeframe.

The bill extends both of these requirements (and the exception to the website positing requirement) to any audio or video recording or transcript of a meeting.

(However, the bill does not require agencies to record or transcribe meetings.) Agendas for Regular Meetings Under current law, FOIA requires state agencies to post agendas for regular meetings on their websites at least 24 hours before the meeting HB6641 / File No.

547 48 HB6641 File No.

547 but it does not apply this requirement to political subdivisions.

The bill instead requires all public agencies to post their meeting agendas on their websites.

Under the bill, regular meeting agendas must also include instructions for the public to (1) attend the meeting in person or electronically and (2) comment, vote, or otherwise participate, as applicable.

Notices of a Special Meeting The bill similarly requires that the above instructions for meeting attendance and participation be included in any notice of a special meeting.

(A special meeting is one held to consider business that (1) was unforeseen when scheduling regular meetings and (2) should be addressed before the next regular meeting.) The bill allows notices of a special meeting to be electronically sent to a public agency's members rather than delivered to their homes as current law requires.

Current law also allows members to waive delivery of the notice by filing a written waiver with the agency's clerk or secretary.

The bill allows members to submit these waivers electronically.

§§ 3-4 & 16 — TOWN MEETINGS AND BOARD OF FINANCE PROCEEDINGS The bill allows town meetings to be held under FOIA using electronic equipment or simultaneously in-person and using electronic equipment.

(Presumably, they may also be held in-person).

It requires that meetings held using either of these methods provide opportunity for comment or testimony, voting, or other participation, as applicable.

Presumably, the bill's provisions allowing voting through electronic equipment apply only to votes taken at the town meeting itself and do not extend to votes taken at an adjourned town meeting (i.e., a referendum).

The bill also allows municipal boards of finance to hold specified meetings and hearings using electronic equipment or simultaneously in person and using electronic equipment.

It applies to (1) public hearings HB6641 / File No.

547 49 HB6641 File No.

547 ontheproposed annualbudget,(2) theboard'smeeting at which it votes on a recommended budget, and (3) the board's meeting to lay a tax on the grand list.

(It also appears to apply to the town meeting at which the budget is voted on.) As with town meetings, the bill requires boards of finance holding hearings or meeting using electronic equipment to provide opportunity for comment or testimony, voting, or other participation, as applicable.

§§ 7-15 & 17-28 — ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS BY MUNICIPAL PROGRAMS AND ENTITIES The bill makes numerous changes allowing municipal entities or programs to conduct business or otherwise operate using electronic means, as shown in Table 1.

Generally, the changes allow specified (1) notices and applications to be sent electronically and (2) hearings or meetings to be held using electronic equipment.

The bill defines "electronic equipment" for these purposes as any technology facilitating real-time communication between two or more individuals, including telephone, video, or other conferencing platforms.

Table 1:

Electronic Transactions Authorized by Bill § Municipal Action Electronic Option Allowed Entity or by Bill Program 8-9 Discriminatory Hearing on alleged Allows hearing to be practices discriminatory practice conducted by electronic board equipment Municipal Opportunity for public Specifies that public revenue- participation in the negotiationsparticipation may be in sharing between the municipalities person, writing, or by agreements electronic equipment Foreclosed Registration with municipal clerkAllows registration to be residential of a residential property on which completed electronically in a property a plaintiff commences a manner the clerk prescribes registration foreclosure action Notice to clerk by plaintiff of aAllows plaintiff to provide this change in the registration information by email information HB6641 / File No.

547 50 HB6641 File No.

547 Registration with clerk of a Allows registration or update residential property by the to be sent by email person to whom title vests in a foreclosure action (or registration update if the person is the plaintiff in the action) Notice to clerk by registrant of Allows registrant to provide any change in the registration this information by email information Parking Notice to vehicle owner or Allows notice to be sent to the violation operator of fines, penalties, owner's or operator's email hearings costs, or fees for alleged parking address if known violations Request by owner or operator for Allows owners and operators a hearing before a parking to make this request by email violation hearing officer Hearing Allows hearing to be held in person or by electronic equipment 13- Municipal Public hearing on sewerage Allows hearing to be water system connection and use conducted by electronic pollution charges equipment control authority Requires that hearing notice be published on municipality's website, rather than in a newspaper as current law requires Charges that are finalized or Requires that copy of the revised after the public hearing charges be published on municipality's website, rather than in a newspaper as current law requires (the bill retains existing law's requirement that it also be filed in the municipal clerk's office) Public hearings on orders issued Allows hearing to be to building owners to (1) connect conducted by electronic the building to an available equipment sewerage system or (2) construct and connect the building to an alternative sewage treatment system HB6641 / File No.

547 51 HB6641 File No.

547 Local land Subdivision or zoning regulations Requires board to publish use boards adopted by board regulations on its website, in addition to making printed copies available at a reasonable price as existing law requires 18- Boards of Appeals to board by taxpayers Allows taxpayers to file assessment aggrieved by a municipal appeals by email in a manner appeals assessor's actions the board prescribes Board may meet to reduce a Allows boards to hold these taxpayer's assessment hearings and meetings using electronic equipment The taxpayer, or the taxpayer's attorney or agent, must appear Deems the taxpayer, attorney, at a hearing before the board or agent to have appeared at before it can reduce the the hearing if he or she assessment attends using electronic equipment Tax Notice to Office of Policy and Allows notice to be provided assessors Management (OPM) of deadline by email in a manner the and boards of extensions to assessors' or OPM secretary prescribes assessment boards' duties granted by the appeals municipal chief executive officer Request by municipality to OPM Eliminates requirement that for a revaluation delay supporting information provided by board of assessment appeals and chief executive officer be in writing Notice to taxpayers of Allows notice to be sent by assessment increases in email municipalities for which OPM authorizes a revaluation delay 21- Renters’ Rebate applications filed with Allows applications to be filed Rebate municipal assessor electronically in a manner the program OPM secretary prescribes Appeals filed with OPM by Allows appeals to be filed persons aggrieved by assessor's electronically in a manner the decision secretary prescribes Property tax Program applications Requires that applications be freeze for made in writing or seniors electronically in a manner the municipal assessor prescribes Applicants' income tax returns Allows taxpayers to present an electronic copy of the HB6641 / File No.

547 52 HB6641 File No.

547 return Biennial notice by municipal Allows assessors to provide assessor to program participants notice electronically at the of reapplication requirements (by taxpayer's option law, program participants must reapply to the program biennially) 24- Property tax Affidavit filed with municipal Allows affidavit to be filed circuit breaker assessor stating applicant’s electronically in a manner the for seniors income assessor prescribes and Program application Allows application to be homeowners submitted by email in a with manner the OPM secretary or disabilities municipal assessor (as applicable) prescribes Biennial notice by municipal Allows assessors to provide assessor to program participants notice electronically at the of reapplication requirements (by taxpayer's option law, program participants must reapply to the program biennially) Notice by grantee to municipal Allows grantee to provide assessor of a property transfer notice by email in a manner by a grantor who was previously the assessor prescribes approved for the circuit breaker Notice by tax collector to grantee Allows tax collector to provide of any additional tax due notice by email at the grantee's option Application to assessor for a Allows applicant to submit grant in lieu of a property tax application by email in a reduction manner the assessor prescribes Appeal to the OPM secretary by Allows person to appeal by a person aggrieved by an email in a manner the assessor's decision secretary prescribes 26- Municipal Permit application Requires that applications be building filed in person, by mail, or by permits email, in a manner the building official prescribes Permit applications containing Allows applications to be filed plans and specifications in person, by mail, or by previously approved by the state email, in a manner the building inspector building official prescribes Municipal Appeals filed with municipal Allows appeals by email in a HB6641 / File No.

547 53 HB6641 File No.

547 building board of appeals by persons manner the board prescribes officials aggrieved by the building official's decision Appeals filed with municipal chief Allows appeals by email in a executive officer when theremanner the chief executive no board of appeals officer prescribes BACKGROUND Related Bills sHB 6651, sSB 183 (File 441), and sSB 1074, reported favorably by the Government Administration and Elections Committee, authorize remote meetings under similar conditions as those in the bill.

sHB 6448, reported favorably by the Planning and Development Committee, authorizes remote meetings while also requiring agencies to make their meetings (including in-person meetings) accessible to the public through electronic equipment.

Telephone Meetings Under FOIA Although FOIA currently does not explicitly authorize telephone or other remotely held meetings, its definition of "meeting" includes those held by electronic equipment (CGS § 1-200(2)).

In its only advisory opinion on the subject, the Freedom of Information Commission (FOIC) advised that public agencies conducting business over the phone must comply with FOIA’s open meeting requirements.

According to FOIC, agencies must make sure that the public has “access to the entire proceedings taking place during the course of a meeting.” Specifically, the commission advised that the meeting must comply with at least the following:

1.

members of the public who want to attend the meeting must be accommodated at a place where the greatest number of participating agency members are located;

2.

people attending the meeting, including members of the public, HB6641 / File No.

547 54 HB6641 File No.

547 must be able to see and inspect copies of any physical or demonstrable materials presented or used;

and 3.

all those attending the meeting, at whatever location, must be able to hear and identify adequately all participants in the proceedings, including individual remarks and votes (Advisory Opinion 41, 1980).

COMMITTEE ACTION Planning and Development Committee Joint Favorable Yea 17 Nay 9 (03/31/2021) HB6641 / File No.

547 55