Dear Chairs Senator Marx and Representative Felipe, Ranking Members Senator Sampson, and Representative Scott, and distinguished members of the Housing Committee.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on SB 151, An Act Prohibiting Certain Land Use and Zoning Limitations on Housing. My name is Jack DeOliveira, and I serve as Director of Policy at Yankee Institute.
Yankee Institute advances practical, data-driven public policy solutions that make Connecticut more affordable, livable, and workable for families and businesses. While we recognize that SB 151 seeks to address important housing concerns, we have concerns regarding its implications for local governance, fiscal sustainability, and implementation.
Connecticut has long operated under strong home rule traditions. Municipal leaders are often best positioned to understand the unique needs, infrastructure capacity, and fiscal realities of their communities. SB 151 would reduce local discretion in an area historically managed at the municipal level. Although statewide consistency can provide benefits, limiting local flexibility warrants careful consideration to avoid unintended consequences across communities with differing circumstances.
The bill also raises fiscal considerations. Both municipalities and state agencies are operating under ongoing budget pressures. If SB 151 results in new mandates or administrative responsibilities without clearly identified and sustainable funding mechanisms, the associated costs may ultimately fall on local taxpayers. Policymakers should carefully evaluate the long-term financial implications of any shift in authority or regulatory structure.
There are also practical implementation questions. Municipalities and state agencies are already managing complex regulatory responsibilities with limited staffing resources. Expanding mandates without a clearly defined operational framework could lead to administrative burdens, delays, or inconsistent application. Clarity and predictability are essential for local governments, developers, and residents alike.
We respectfully encourage the Committee to consider whether the goals of SB 151 can be achieved in a manner that preserves appropriate local flexibility while minimizing fiscal and operational risks.
For these reasons, Yankee Institute recommends that SB 151 not advance in its current form. Thank you for your consideration.
