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ConnecticutHB 072882025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT AUTHORIZING AND ADJUSTING BONDS OF THE STATE AND CONCERNING GRANT PROGRAMS, STATE GRANT COMMITMENTS FOR SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS, REVISIONS TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS STATUTES AND VARIOUS PROVISIONS REVISING AND IMPLEMENTING THE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2027.
Sponsored By: Matthew Ritter (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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163 provisions identified: 120 benefits, 24 costs, 19 mixed.
Paid leave reaches more school workers
Beginning October 1, 2025, state paid leave insurance covers qualifying school employees whose jobs do not require professional certification. This includes workers at public school operators and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Workers need at least $2,325 in subject earnings during their highest-earning base-period quarter. They must be currently employed or have been employed during the previous 12 weeks. The paid leave authority can set alternative base-period and weekly-earnings calculations for this group.
Borrowers get prior-year loan payments reimbursed
Beginning July 1, 2025, Connecticut reimburses eligible participants for qualifying student loan payments made during the previous calendar year. The existing limits remain $5,000 a year, four participation years, and $20,000 total. Your payment depends on qualifying loan payments and how much reimbursement you have already received.
More borrowers qualify for loan reimbursement
Beginning July 1, 2025, Connecticut expands student loan reimbursement eligibility, including a path for certain former Stone Academy students. Applicants must have a student loan and at least five years of Connecticut residency. Federal adjusted gross income cannot exceed $125,000 for unmarried or married-filing-separately applicants, or $175,000 for joint filers, household heads, and surviving spouses. Eligible education includes a degree from a Connecticut public or independent college. The Stone Academy path covers unfinished practical nurse studies during November 1, 2021–February 28, 2023, without a teach-out or specified predictor exam. Those applicants must show an unsuccessful closed-school loan discharge application filed at least six months before applying.
Nursing home workers get wage increases
Connecticut must distribute up to $55 million to nursing homes for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2028. Funding supports a 2.5% wage increase starting July 1, 2027, for covered personnel. Nurse's aides must receive at least $26 an hour by January 1, 2028. Remaining money can support additional wage and minimum-rate increases for listed personnel. The state can reclaim wage funding when a home fails to provide the funded increases.
More bond authority for clean water
Beginning July 1, 2025, total state bond authority for clean-water programs rises to $2.453125976 billion. Of that total, $175 million takes effect July 1, 2026. Separate Clean Water Fund revenue bond authority rises to $5.06108 billion, including $500 million effective July 1, 2026. Those revenue bonds are not general state debt and can be repaid only from money pledged for repayment. These are financing limits for projects, not direct household payments.
More funding for roads and bridges
The law authorizes road and bridge bonds in two rounds, beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Resurfacing gets up to $175 million and $185 million, respectively. Fix-it-First bridge repairs get up to $220 million and $238.6 million; road repairs get $159.6 million and $193 million. The Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program gets up to $80 million in each round. The law does not name the local projects receiving funds.
More borrowing authority for school buildings
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises total school-building bond authority to $14.96216 billion. Eligible work includes approved school buildings, safety and health repairs, fire or disaster damage, and technical and career schools. Of the total authority, $550 million takes effect July 1, 2026. This authorizes project financing, not payments to families.
School workers gain another leave pathway
Beginning October 1, 2025, school workers in jobs not requiring professional certification gain broader family and medical leave eligibility. They qualify after working for their school employer for at least three months during the previous 12 months. This covers public school operators and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Other employees remain subject to the general three-month requirement immediately before requesting leave.
Life insurance for qualifying state retirees
Insured state employees retiring on or after July 1, 2025, qualify with at least 25 years of credited state service. Their retirement life insurance equals half their coverage immediately before retirement, with a $10,000 minimum. Credited service includes periods eligible for a state-sponsored retirement system and military service credit. Service under the teachers' and municipal employees' retirement systems does not count.
Courts gain building and technology funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, court bond authority includes $10 million for facilities, $2 million for security, and $5 million for accessibility. It also includes $10 million for technology, $25 million for new courthouses with land and parking, and $5 million for juvenile courts and residential centers. Beginning July 1, 2026, another $52 million includes $10 million for facilities, $2 million for security, and $5 million for technology. That authorization also includes $25 million for new courthouses, $5 million for juvenile courts and residential centers, and $5 million for another listed facility project. The State Bond Commission must approve the 2026 bond issuance and use.
Parks and environmental projects get funding
Separate bond authorizations begin July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026; the 2026 bonds and spending need State Bond Commission approval. Each includes up to $3 million for recreation and natural heritage, $500,000 for water pollution and planning reports, and $2.5 million for dam repairs. Parks and recreation facilities get up to $40 million in 2025, including accessibility work, and $30 million in 2026. Each date also authorizes $5 million for state-property projects addressing energy use, emissions, vehicle charging, water use, or waste. Research-vessel design and purchase get up to $500,000 in 2025 and $7 million in 2026.
State prisons gain renovation funding
The law authorizes up to $50 million beginning July 1, 2025, for existing state-owned correctional buildings. A separate authorization provides up to $55 million beginning July 1, 2026. Projects can support inmate housing, programs, added capacity, staff training space, support facilities, and off-site improvements. The State Bond Commission must approve the 2026 bond issuance and use.
More funding for developmental services providers
For the year ending June 30, 2027, the state must distribute up to $5 million to contracted residential services providers. For the year ending June 30, 2028, it must raise contracted developmental services providers’ rates to support wage increases. Those rate increases must come from an available $105 million pool. The law does not set individual worker raises or direct payments to residents.
More funding for crumbling foundation help
Beginning July 1, 2025, Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund bond authority rises from $200 million to $300 million. The amended schedule provides $25 million effective July 1 each year from 2025 through 2029. The Department of Housing uses the proceeds for the fund. Individual assistance amounts and eligibility details are not specified here.
Greenwich middle school gains grant exceptions
Greenwich's Central Middle School construction project gains state grant consideration, with project costs capped at $112.017 million. The application had to be filed before October 1, 2024, and the project must meet remaining grant requirements. The project can use a 20% reimbursement rate. Its grant calculation is exempt from the state's standard space rules. Grant consideration does not guarantee an award.
More school funding for early learning
Eligible elementary school projects get a 15-percentage-point reimbursement boost, capped at 100%, when they include birth-to-five care and education. This boost covers the entire project, and districts must keep the early childhood program for at least 10 years. A separate 15-point boost, also capped at 100%, covers project space mainly used to create or expand in-district special education. That building must also serve general education students. Extra funding tied to special education plans must pay for the related construction, renovation, or expansion.
Named schools gain construction grant commitments
The law commits grants for school projects on the committee-approved priority list from before February 1, 2025. Three Fairfield schools receive commitments of $155,768, $170,107, and $200,609; Old Greenwich School receives $9.624962 million. John M. Moriarty Elementary receives $59.252021 million, Uncas Elementary $61.174884 million, and the Middle School of Plainville $40.467644 million. Amity Regional High School receives $1.351203 million. Platt Technical High School's stated project cost and grant increase from $124.566 million to $175.2315 million.
Stamford school projects gain grant consideration
Stamford's Westhill High School construction project gains grant consideration despite repeated cost changes, with project costs capped at $446 million. The New Roxbury Elementary School project also gains consideration despite the earlier deadline for substantially changed projects. Its project-cost ceiling is $130 million. Both projects must meet remaining school-building grant requirements. Neither listing guarantees a state grant or sets its amount.
Three school projects gain grant access
Bridgeport's special education elementary school project gains grant consideration, with project costs capped at $78 million and an application deadline before September 1, 2025. Regional District 13's Middlefield Memorial School project gains consideration as a renovation, capped at $76.13 million, with applications due before October 1, 2025. The ACES @ Chase magnet school project gains consideration despite repeated cost changes, with project costs capped at $84.43528 million. Each project must meet the remaining school-building grant requirements. These are project-cost ceilings, not promised state grant awards.
Community redevelopment gains more bond authority
Beginning July 1, 2025, community development bond authority rises from $2.644487544 billion to $3.044487544 billion. Within that total, the urban development grant limit rises from $2.5098 billion to $2.90955 billion. A $200 million portion of the authorization takes effect July 1, 2026. On that date, bond authority to capitalize the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority also rises from $60 million to $90 million. Funds remain limited to their authorized development purposes, without guaranteed awards for particular projects.
Development grants continue without end date
Major-project and community-development grant authority continues without the former June 30, 2024, end date. Each program remains capped at $100 million, with a combined $200 million cap. Competitive awards must follow criteria consistent with the state's Economic Action Plan. Innovation Corridor becomes Innovation Clusters, and its assistance is exempt from section 32-462. The law also removes American Rescue Plan Act money as a specified funding source.
Economic development gains higher bond limit
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises economic development bond authority to $1.9553 billion. A $100 million portion takes effect July 1, 2026. No more than $50 million can support strategic defense initiatives. Assistance remains limited to the economic development purposes in section 32-235(b), with no guaranteed household payment.
Eleven towns receive scheduled state grants
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets these annual grants for both fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and 2027: Bridgeport $11.059559 million; Danbury $2.218855 million; New Haven $19.421822 million; New London $2.112913 million; and Stamford $2.246049 million. Branford receives $100,000 each year; Stratford and West Hartford each receive $400,000 each year; Voluntown receives $60,000 each year. Enfield receives $100,000 for 2026 and $0 for 2027. Naugatuck receives $583,399 for 2026 and $683,399 for 2027. The grants go to towns, and this provision does not specify their uses.
More funding for highway equipment and plazas
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $41.035214 million for highway and bridge renewal equipment. It authorizes the same amount beginning July 1, 2026. Each round also authorizes up to $11.75 million for highway service plaza improvements. Plaza money excludes work to keep plazas in good repair, new-tenant space build-outs, and tenant fixtures, branding, promotion, or advertising.
More funding for local transportation projects
The law authorizes transportation bonds in two rounds, beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Each round includes up to $40 million for municipal transportation grants and $20 million for the Local Bridge Program. Each also includes $15 million for community connectivity and alternative mobility and $10 million for rural transportation improvements. Municipal transportation grants must follow the state's transportation grant laws. These authorizations support projects, not household payments, and do not name the projects receiving money.
More funding for redevelopment and manufacturing
The law authorizes separate economic development funding beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Brownfield cleanup and redevelopment get up to $40 million at each date. The Manufacturing Innovation Fund gets up to $20 million and $25 million, respectively. Greyfield redevelopment gets up to $20 million and $30 million. Beginning July 1, 2025, Tweed-New Haven Airport improvements also get authorization for up to $10 million.
State bond limit rises to $225 million
The law raises the section 8-240b bond limit from $125 million to $225 million. The $100 million increase takes effect July 1, 2026. Proceeds remain limited to the purposes listed in subsection (b) of that law. The supplied provision does not identify specific projects or household beneficiaries.
State buildings get solar and repairs
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $42 million for Capitol Area System upgrades and $40 million for solar. Beginning July 1, 2026, it authorizes another $46 million for state building and technology projects. That includes $10 million for infrastructure repairs, $16 million for new data-center equipment and related costs, and $20 million for solar. Solar funds exclude state forests, parks, open spaces, farmland, and natural area preserves. The 2026 bonds and their use require State Bond Commission approval.
State capital projects receive bond authority
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes about $787.4 million in bonds for listed state capital projects. This package includes up to $75 million for state technology and $5 million for statewide flood and resilience mapping. Requests require State Bond Commission approval and a signature from the budget secretary or the relevant state official. Beginning July 1, 2026, a separate authorization allows up to $75 million for state technology investments. The 2026 bonds and their use also require commission approval.
Transportation facilities and waterways get funding
The law authorizes separate bond amounts beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Transportation department facilities get authorization for up to $140.88 million and $127.06 million, respectively. The Waterways Program gets up to $6 million and $11 million. These funds support public projects, not direct household payments.
Bond funding supports electric bill relief
The law authorizes up to $500 million in bonds for the electric grid, efficiency, ratepayer support, hardship protections, and electric-car charging. The authorization begins July 1, 2025, with $250 million taking effect July 1, 2026. Hardship funding aims to reduce those annual costs within the systems benefits charge to their 2016–2020 average. The law does not set a household payment or savings amount.
More funding for buses and rail
Bus and rail projects get bond authority of up to $277.43 million beginning July 1, 2025. Another $284.85 million begins July 1, 2026. Eligible uses include facilities, equipment, rights-of-way, property purchases, and related projects. The Northeast Corridor Modernization Match Program also gets up to $100 million beginning on each date.
More funding for highways and bridges
The law authorizes separate transportation bond amounts beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Intrastate highways get authorization for up to $90 million and $85 million, respectively. State bridge improvements, repairs, and replacements get up to $70.6 million and $40.6 million. Interstate highways get up to $31.326 million and $12 million. Urban Systems Projects get up to $27.4 million and $27.5 million.
Towns get transportation and capital grants
The law directs $150 million in municipal grants for each fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Named local recipients receive amounts listed in the law for state-authorized transportation purposes. Municipal transportation grants are also authorized beginning July 1, 2025, with no amount stated in that provision. Beginning July 1, 2026, another authorization allows up to $40 million for municipal transportation grants. That date also brings up to $7 million in capital grants for towns that qualify as distressed under state law.
Housing grants for smaller Connecticut towns
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $100 million in bonds for middle housing development grants. The Department of Housing administers grants to housing authorities expanding middle housing. Projects must be in municipalities with 50,000 or fewer residents, based on the latest federal ten-year census. Half the bond authority, $50 million, takes effect July 1, 2026. The law does not set household award amounts.
Larger loan fund for workforce housing
Beginning July 1, 2025, the workforce housing revolving loan fund's funding limit rises from $200 million to $330 million. The Department of Housing can provide that money to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority. The fund finances workforce housing projects. This raises the maximum funding available; it does not set household loan terms or guarantee assistance.
More financing for housing and repairs
The law authorizes separate $200 million housing bond packages beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Uses include housing development and repairs, affordable and supportive housing, homelessness programs, senior emergency repairs, hazardous-material removal, and septic loans. It also covers housing infrastructure, land banks and trusts, predevelopment aid, vacant-building redevelopment, and eligible federal program costs. Housing Trust Fund bond authority rises from $850 million to $1.15 billion, with $150 million effective July 1, 2026. Trust Fund proceeds must enter that fund; the 2026 housing package requires State Bond Commission approval for issuance and use.
Technical schools gain building upgrade funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, technical schools gain bond authority for up to $30 million in system-wide projects. This covers infrastructure, security, vehicles, equipment, and emergency repairs; another $8 million supports technology and related equipment. The law also authorizes $113.705019 million to design and build a new Windham Technical High School. Beginning July 1, 2026, it authorizes another $30 million for system-wide projects, $8 million for technology, and $35 million for E.C. Goodwin Technical High School. The 2026 bonds and their use require State Bond Commission approval.
School workers lose special leave route
Beginning October 1, 2025, paraeducators and noncertified local or regional school board employees lose a special leave eligibility route. That route required 12 months of employment and 950 work hours during the previous 12 months. Under the political-subdivision general rule, they need at least 12 months of employment and 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months. This change concerns that leave route, not every possible source of leave rights.
Narrower workplace protections at religious employers
Beginning October 1, 2025, specified gender-identity and gender-expression workplace protections do not apply to covered religious organizations in specified matters. The exemption covers employment connected with the organization's activities. It also covers matters involving discipline, faith, internal organization, or religious rules, customs, or law.
Technical schools face tighter building funding rules
Technical education and career school projects lose access to one state school-building bond authorization. That authorization still allows up to $13.86216 billion for remaining purposes, including approved projects and certain safety and damage repairs. Technical school projects also lose their exemption from limits on repeat project listings after cost changes, applying from July 1, 2012. Projects generally get one such listing; the state may allow a second when a town or regional district shows urgent circumstances.
Less borrowing for community investment projects
The Community Investment Fund 2030 bond limit falls from $875 million to $767 million. For each budget year ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, authority falls from $175 million to $121 million. Eligible projects need the Governor's finding that bond funding is appropriate and no other bond authority is available. The change reduces financing authority, rather than cutting a set household payment.
Lower borrowing limits for earlier projects
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law lowers six existing state bond limits. Public Act 17-2, section 407, falls from $182 million to $164 million. Public Act 20-1 limits fall from $242.5 million to $203.519735 million in section 12 and $209 million to $169 million in section 31. Public Act 21-111, section 31, falls from $168.55 million to $148.55 million. Section 8-37mm falls from $18.329993 million to $10.454993 million, and section 32-39y falls from $20 million to $200,000. The supplied provisions do not identify the funded activities or specific household effects.
Custom fabrication workers gain wage protections
Starting July 1, 2025, public works contracts must require prevailing wages for covered off-site custom fabrication. Coverage applies to mechanical systems made specifically for the project at another Connecticut location. Stock items and readily available parts or materials are excluded. Contractors must also make applicable employee welfare-fund payments, adding required labor costs while protecting covered workers' pay.
Municipal workers fund new retirement accounts
The municipal retirement commission must create a MERS defined contribution retirement plan by July 1, 2026. Each MERS member contributes 0.25% of pay. MERS 2.0 members also contribute 5% of other pay, or 8% for public safety workers. Participating towns match that additional contribution. These contributions fund retirement accounts but reduce current take-home pay; the law does not guarantee investment returns or benefit amounts.
Municipal workers get new pension tier
The law creates the MERS 2.0 municipal pension tier, with employee contributions of 5% of regular pay, or 8% for public safety workers. Annual retirement benefits equal 1.8% of average annual pay per service year, or 2.2% for public safety workers. Newly joining towns can enroll after July 1, 2026, or expiration of their labor agreement in effect then, whichever is later. For participating towns, the tier covers newly eligible members after July 1, 2027, or expiration of their applicable labor agreement in effect then, whichever is later. Age and service requirements apply, including five continuous service years or 15 active total years as specified; the tier also includes disability, survivor, death, and cost-of-living provisions.
Child care grants carry repayment rules
Beginning July 1, 2025, licensed child care providers can compete for facility planning, design, construction, and renovation grants. Up to $80 million in bonds funds the program over fiscal years 2026–2032, with unused annual amounts carried forward. Awards are prioritized by project scope and facility type. Recipients other than political subdivisions generally must repay grants if child care use ends within 10 years; repayment falls 10% per full year. Repayment can be secured by a lien, but none is required on state, municipal, or housing-authority property. Separately, liens are no longer required for grants of $50,000 or less under the specified 2022 and 2023 early-childhood grant laws.
Higher state bond limit, delayed tranche
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises one state bond authorization from $150 million to $270 million. The proceeds must serve the purposes listed in section 89(b) of Public Act 23-205. A $60 million tranche previously scheduled for July 1, 2024, instead takes effect July 1, 2026. This provision does not establish household payments.
Construction loan guarantees with homebuyer limits
Homes for CT guarantees residential construction loans through participating banks or credit unions with a physical Connecticut presence. Owners and developers must meet state housing finance authority standards; mortgage-backed loans cover eligible construction costs only. Rates cannot exceed the applicable Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston New England Fund rate; homes sold must go to authority homebuyer-program participants. Enrollment closes at $100 million in outstanding loans and agreed commitments, while state guarantee payments cannot exceed $10 million. Lenders can claim unpaid principal only after good-faith collection efforts and four consecutive months of delinquency.
College capital funding shifts between priorities
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities 2020 capital project schedule changes. Revised allocations include land and property purchases and supplemental project funding. Phase I stays at $285 million, Phase II at $285 million, and Phase III at $499.5 million. The law changes project allocations without increasing those phase totals or setting direct student payments.
School air grants expand with upkeep rules
Beginning July 1, 2025, bond authority totals $236.5 million for school air-quality grants and additional school-building purposes. Within that total, up to $50 million reimburses qualifying improvements completed March 1, 2020, through July 1, 2022. Up to $11.5 million funds classroom air-purifier equipment and materials through the University of Connecticut's Supplemental Air Filtration for Education program. Expedited school grants now cover heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other indoor air improvements; applicants must certify required inspection compliance on or after July 1, 2026. Routine cleaning and maintenance, and work at separate administrative or service facilities, are excluded; recipients must maintain systems and train staff.
Town school aid holds before reductions
Towns maintaining public schools whose fully funded equalization aid is below prior-year aid keep their prior-year entitlement in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Their grants are then reduced by 14.29% of the grant adjustment in fiscal year 2028 and 16.67% in 2029. The adjustment percentages are 20% in 2030, 25% in 2031, 33⅓% in 2032, and 50% in 2033. Beginning in fiscal year 2034, grants use the fully funded amount. Alliance-district towns remain entitled to the greatest of the calculated grant, base grant, or prior-year entitlement; each fiscal year ends June 30.
No deposit charges on out-of-state containers
Connecticut dealers cannot charge a refund value for beverage containers that were not purchased in Connecticut. This does not give buyers a Connecticut refund for containers purchased outside the state.
Paramedics pay no license application fee
Beginning October 1, 2025, Connecticut charges no fee to apply for a paramedic license. License holders still pay the $155 annual renewal fee.
Police training gains college credit pathway
State higher-education boards and the Police Officer Standards and Training Council must develop a college-credit pathway by January 1, 2026. The pathway awards credits for training used to obtain and maintain police certification. It must provide a credit schedule at each constituent higher-education unit and be promoted to officers. The law does not set the number of credits or a tuition savings amount.
Student loan reimbursement funds stay available
Connecticut's student loan reimbursement funds do not expire on June 30, 2025. They remain available for the same program during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This preserves funding for eligible applicants without changing eligibility or setting an individual reimbursement amount.
Agriculture buildings and land receive funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $5 million to improve existing state-owned Agriculture Department buildings. It also authorizes up to $1.2 million for existing state-owned Agricultural Experiment Station buildings, including early design costs. Another authorization provides up to $10 million in grants to hold land for agricultural preservation. Grant-funded land must remain dedicated to agricultural preservation.
Capitol repair funds cover more work
Beginning July 1, 2025, up to $1.8 million in bond proceeds can cover broader Capitol Complex work. Uses include road and sidewalk replacement, repairs, and repaving. Funds can also support alterations, renovations, and restoration at the Capitol and Legislative Office Building, including disability access compliance.
Child welfare buildings gain renovation funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $5 million for existing state-owned Department of Children and Families buildings. The money supports alterations, renovations, and improvements. It does not change family service eligibility or provide direct household payments.
Children and Families buildings get upgrades
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes up to $5 million to improve existing state-owned Children and Families Department buildings. The State Bond Commission must approve the bonds and their use. This facility funding does not change who qualifies for department services.
Communities gain cleanup and conservation funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, environmental grant authority includes $7.6 million for hazardous-waste sites and $20 million for contaminated urban industrial sites. Municipal drinking-water and PFAS pollution assessment and cleanup receive $5 million. Waste projects include $6.8 million for municipal incinerators and landfills, plus $15 million for municipal solid-waste facilities. Flood, erosion, and municipal dam work receive $2.5 million, while Kinneytown Dam removal receives $25 million. Municipal open-space purchases and development for conservation or recreation receive $10 million.
Large municipalities get election monitoring
Municipalities with at least 140,000 residents, using the latest State Register and Manual estimate, must have an election monitor. Monitoring covers the 2025 municipal election, 2026 state election, and special elections held in either year. The Secretary of the State must also run a town-wide bilingual campaign on election law and voters' rights. The monitor serves through December 31, 2026, unless the Secretary ends the contract earlier.
Military facilities gain state bond funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, military bond authority includes $5 million in state matching funds for anticipated federally reimbursable projects. It also includes $17 million for an anticipated federally reimbursable aviation maintenance project in Groton. Separate amounts provide $1 million for facility improvements and $5 million for a Medical Readiness Center. Beginning July 1, 2026, another $3 million supports state matching funds for anticipated federally reimbursable projects, plus $1 million for facility work. The State Bond Commission must approve the 2026 bond issuance and use.
More funding for community environmental projects
Beginning July 1, 2026, grants include up to $17 million for identified hazardous-waste sites and $20 million for contaminated urban industrial sites. Municipalities can receive up to $5 million for safe drinking water and PFAS pollution assessment or cleanup. Municipal incinerator and landfill improvements, including bulky-waste landfills, receive up to $2.9 million. Flood-control improvements, flood and erosion repairs, and municipal dam repairs receive up to $2.5 million. Municipal open-space purchases and development for conservation or recreation receive up to $10 million.
More funding for highway safety technology
The law authorizes up to $20 million for wrong-way driving technology and countermeasures beginning July 1, 2025. It authorizes another $20 million beginning July 1, 2026. Each round also includes up to $5 million for the Automated Work Zone Speed Control Program. These funding authorizations do not themselves create new duties for drivers.
Museums and historic sites gain support
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $5 million to acquire, design, build, or renovate a civil rights museum. It also creates a capital grant program for nonprofits owning or operating Connecticut cultural or historic sites. That program operates within available resources, accepts applications continuously, and uses eligibility criteria set by the economic development commissioner. Annual reporting on application counts and requested funding begins January 1, 2026.
Police trainees get university course option
The Police Officer Standards and Training Council must establish a pilot with the University of New Haven by January 1, 2026. Police academy basic-training attendees can complete legal-issues courses at the university. They complete their remaining basic-training courses at the academy. The law does not state tuition savings.
Recovery and psychiatric construction grants authorized
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $15 million to support towns, homeowners, and small businesses after a catastrophic event. It also authorizes up to $7 million in capital grants for towns that qualify as distressed under state law. Another $2.5 million supports licensed acute care hospitals building facilities for adult inpatient psychiatric beds. These authorizations do not guarantee a fixed payment to any household or business.
State emergency services buildings gain funding
The law authorizes up to $10 million beginning July 1, 2025, for state emergency services buildings and grounds. A separate authorization provides up to $50 million beginning July 1, 2026. Work can include renovations, utilities, mechanical systems, and energy-saving projects. The State Bond Commission must approve the 2026 bond issuance and use.
State opposition mandate ends for tribal land
Beginning October 1, 2025, Connecticut is no longer required to oppose tribal applications to place land in federal trust. The law also removes the declaration that these conversions conflict with state and residents' interests. This change does not approve an application or transfer land into trust.
Transportation properties gain environmental cleanup funding
The law authorizes up to $23.695 million beginning July 1, 2025, and $23.559 million beginning July 1, 2026. Funds cover environmental compliance and cleanup tied to transportation operations or state-owned properties. Eligible work includes soil and groundwater cleanup, hazardous-material removal, demolition, salt sheds, storage tanks, and environmental emergency response.
Veterans facilities and cemetery gain funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $20 million in bonds for Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Eligible projects include renovations, improvements, and land purchases. It also authorizes up to $7.5 million to expand the Middletown State Veterans Cemetery. These are facility investments, not payments to veterans.
Veterans facilities get improvement funding
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes up to $10 million in bonds for Veterans Affairs buildings and grounds. The money can also support land purchases. The State Bond Commission must approve the bonds and their use. This funds facilities; it does not change veterans' benefits or provide direct payments.
Disability care facilities gain safety funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $7 million for state-owned Department of Developmental Services care facilities. Work can address fire safety, environmental hazards, building codes, accessibility, utilities, roofs, and air conditioning. The money supports regional and intermediate care facilities, not direct payments to residents.
Health facilities gain construction funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $500,000 for improvements to existing state-owned public health buildings. Beginning July 1, 2026, it authorizes up to $2.5 million in grants to Connecticut-licensed acute care hospitals. Those hospital grants fund construction of facilities for adult inpatient psychiatric beds. These investments do not set patient eligibility or household payment amounts.
Mental health facilities get safety funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $20 million for state mental health and addiction facility improvements. It authorizes up to $10 million for sprinklers and related fire safety in buildings providing direct patient care. Another $50 million supports planning and design to replace Whiting Forensic Hospital at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. This funding covers planning and design, not construction of the replacement hospital.
Safety funding for state care facilities
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes up to $7 million in bonds for developmental services facilities. Eligible work includes safety, accessibility, utilities, roofs, air conditioning, and building changes for clients and staff. It also authorizes $40 million for regional mental health and addiction facility safety and environmental improvements. Another $15 million supports sprinklers and related fire-safety work in direct patient care buildings. The State Bond Commission must approve the bonds and their use.
Seniors gain aging-in-place service funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $5 million in grants for aging-in-place services. The grants support services that help older adults remain at home. This provision does not state household eligibility rules or individual payment amounts.
Higher local ceiling for housing receivership
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Housing Receivership Revolving Fund can spend more in any one municipality. Its annual local ceiling rises from $1 million to $6 million. The higher ceiling allows more spending but does not guarantee any municipality the maximum. Residents may benefit when the fund supports property management or repairs.
Hospitals sought as workforce housing partners
Beginning July 1, 2025, state housing officials must seek partnerships with one or more Connecticut hospitals to increase workforce housing. The Housing Commissioner and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority executive director must report by January 1, 2026. Their report to lawmakers must describe their work and recommend other ways to expand workforce housing. The law does not guarantee new homes or create a housing subsidy.
More funding options for court-managed housing
Beginning July 1, 2025, court-appointed property managers can use collected revenue, rather than only collected rents, for covered expenses. A court can approve Housing Receivership Revolving Fund money when sufficient other money is not immediately available. Expected fund expenses cannot average more than $10,000 per dwelling unit, space, or lot. This does not create a direct tenant payment.
More supportive housing funding for disabilities
Beginning July 1, 2025, supportive-housing grant bond authority rises from $15 million to $25 million. The Department of Housing program supports people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities, including autism. The law expands project financing but does not set individual grant amounts or guarantee housing placements.
Ansonia gains higher school reimbursement terms
Ansonia can apply for state aid for its new middle school before July 1, 2026. The project must meet remaining school-building grant requirements. The school and central administration facility can use an 87% reimbursement rate. The administration facility gets the full rate rather than the usual half-reimbursement limit. The school grant calculation can also skip state standard space rules.
Charter school grants favor funding or performance
Beginning July 1, 2025, charter school building grant applicants receive preference when they provide matching money from nonstate sources. Applicants without that match also receive preference when their accountability score meets or beats the statewide average. They must meet that score in at least two of the previous three school years. Grants support building projects, improvements, or repayment of building-project debt.
Grant exceptions help two school projects
Farmington can receive reimbursement for architectural and other professional-service contracts for its high school and education administration facility projects. The usual public bid invitation is waived for those costs; other school construction rules still apply. Wethersfield's Highcrest Elementary new-construction project can receive grant consideration despite the prior deadline, with project costs capped at $73.504329 million. Wethersfield must apply before October 1, 2025, meet other school construction requirements, and qualify for assistance. Grant consideration does not guarantee an award.
Hartford gains school cost relief
The state must waive specified cost-related audit deficiencies for eight Hartford school projects. These are University High School of Science and Engineering, Capitol Preparatory Magnet School, R. J. Kinsella Magnet School, and Environmental Sciences Magnet School at Mary Hooker. The waiver also covers Hartford Public High School, Fisher Magnet School, Webster School, and Sport and Medical Sciences Academy. Hartford also gains up to $19.239432 million in reimbursement for otherwise-excluded costs, restricted to deficits on those projects or local shares for five listed projects. Those five are Expeditionary Learning Academy, Parkville Community School, McDonough Middle School, Bulkeley High School renovation, and its central administration facility.
Higher grants for two Middletown schools
Middletown's Macdonough Elementary and Keigwin Elementary alteration projects can be considered for state grants. Each project's reimbursement rate rises by 15 percentage points. Middletown must apply before October 1, 2025, and meet the remaining school-building grant requirements. Project costs cannot exceed $48.9 million for Macdonough or $2 million for Keigwin. These are project-cost ceilings, not grant amounts.
Higher school grants for three towns
State reimbursement rates rise by 15 percentage points for specified projects in Wethersfield, Willington, and Cheshire. Wethersfield's Highcrest, Samuel Webb, and Charles Wright elementary schools qualify with applications submitted by June 30, 2030. Willington projects qualify with applications submitted by June 30, 2027. Cheshire's North End Elementary School also gets an exemption from state space limits when its grant is calculated. North End also qualifies as an early childhood care and education program for 20 years.
Higher school reimbursements for two cities
Bridgeport can use a 95% state reimbursement rate for its new special education elementary school. New London can use a 95% rate for up to $10 million in added East End Elementary School costs. New London's added costs had to receive approval from the state administrative services commissioner by July 1, 2025. These rates support the named projects, not direct payments to families.
Higher state support for Danbury school
Danbury's King Street Primary School project can use an 80% state reimbursement rate. Danbury must apply before October 1, 2025, and meet the remaining school-building grant requirements. Project costs cannot exceed $7 million. That ceiling limits project costs; it is not the grant amount.
Magnet programs share enrollment-based school funding
For fiscal year 2027, $12 million of the Magnet Schools appropriation goes to eligible interdistrict magnet programs. Each program's share depends on its share of student enrollment. Eligible operators are independent higher education institutions acting through their governing bodies and other nonprofits approved by the education commissioner. This directs existing school funding, not payments to families.
More reimbursement for local school projects
The state can pay eligible state and local shares directly to Goodwin University Magnet Schools for its Early Childhood Magnet School. The local share is capped at $811,348, and the project must follow state school-building law and education regulations. Goodwin also gains up to $1.766245 million for otherwise-excluded Pathways Academy construction and site-acquisition costs. Fairfield gains up to $600,000 for otherwise-excluded Mill Hill Elementary School costs and audit deficiencies. North Haven gains up to $2.6 million for otherwise-excluded North Haven High School construction costs.
More robotics funding for students
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets aside education funding for robotics programs. The amount is $100,000 for each budget year ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. The 2027 amount rises from $25,000 to $100,000. This money comes from the Department of Education's Other Expenses budget, not direct payments to families.
Norwich academy gains broader project reimbursement
Norwich Free Academy's campus alteration project gains grant consideration, with project costs capped at $5.61 million. It must apply before October 1, 2025, and meet remaining school-building grant requirements; an award is not guaranteed. Reimbursement can cover otherwise-excluded resurfacing, maintenance, repairs, replacements, site-improvement repairs, and artificial turf. The grant calculation is also exempt from state standard space rules. The law states no separate reimbursement cap for those added cost categories.
Public schools gain repair grant program
Beginning July 1, 2025, public school operators gain grants for approved minor repairs, maintenance, grounds, safety, and fixed infrastructure. The law authorizes up to $60 million in bonds, including $30 million beginning July 1, 2026. Allocations use weighted student need for 50%, equal operator shares for 20%, and enrollment adjusted for local wealth for 30%. Grants cannot cover local matching requirements for another state assistance program or school building project. Recipients must report spending, certify proper use, and keep accounting records for at least three years; misuse can trigger recovery or reduced future grants.
School boards must post curriculum online
Starting with the school year beginning July 1, 2026, local and regional school boards must post curriculum information online. Their websites must show the objectives, scope, and sequence of the approved curriculum. The requirement applies each school year.
Schools can appoint instructional support partners
Starting with the school year beginning July 1, 2026, local and regional boards may appoint instructional support partners. Boards may hire someone or assign an existing employee to each school or school building. A partner must spend at least half their time on the role's required instructional-support work. Boards are not required to fill the role.
Schools face heating and cooling inspections
For July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2031, school boards must arrange qualified heating and cooling system inspections. Boards must inspect at least 20% of schools by June 30, 2027, and 20% each following year until all are inspected. Each school then needs an inspection every five years after its last inspection. Schools scheduled to stop school use within three years of the inspection date are exempt. The state can accept equivalent inspection formats or grant up to a one-year waiver for inspector shortages or inspections scheduled for the next year.
Schools gain relief from grant barriers
Towns and regional school districts no longer need prior written state approval for school-project consultant costs to qualify for aid. Consultant contracts must still follow the required public selection process. Glastonbury's Naubuc Elementary School and Ashford School projects can receive eligible-cost reimbursement despite bidding before state approval of plans. Both projects must still meet the remaining school-building grant requirements. Cheshire's new Norton Elementary School grant calculation is exempt from state standard space rules.
Selected school projects gain funding access
Wethersfield's Samuel Webb Elementary project gains state grant consideration despite the prior deadline, with project costs capped at $106 million. Wethersfield must apply before October 1, 2025, and meet school construction requirements; inclusion does not guarantee a grant. Goodwin University Magnet Schools gains reimbursement for otherwise-ineligible costs: up to $2.764493 million for Connecticut River Academy and $369,813 for Early Childhood Magnet School and site acquisition. The state can also pay River Academy's eligible state and local shares directly to Goodwin. The local-share payment is capped at $2.732664 million, and that project must follow state school construction law and regulations.
Targeted school programs gain grant funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $20 million for interdistrict magnet school capital costs. It also authorizes $10 million for in-district disability programs, with another $10 million beginning July 1, 2026. A qualifying local school board gains up to $5 million beginning on each of those dates. Its town must have over 140,000 residents in the latest federal census and face a required municipal finance advisory appearance before December 31, 2025. The education commissioner decides how that board's grants are used.
Technical school system oversees trades funding
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System now oversees up to $8.5 million in specified training and enrichment bond funding. It takes over this responsibility from the Department of Education. Funding supports extended-hour programs in Hamden, Hartford, New Britain, and Waterbury, plus evening skilled-trades training. Evening programs must prepare participants for credentials or degrees recognized by employers or trade associations. The law does not state an increase in total funding.
Broader access to contaminated site funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, brownfield land banks and economic development agencies join municipalities as eligible municipal brownfield grant applicants. Competitive grants can cover separate cleanup or assessment phases and reasonable administrative costs up to 5% of an award. Qualifying grant and loan recipients can skip a state cleanup program for work that is not site-wide and would not benefit from participation. This exception excludes recipients already subject to section 22a-134a, the Transfer Act requirement. The existing loan exception for qualifying hazardous-building-material removal remains.
Brownfield projects gain higher funding limits
Beginning July 1, 2025, the usual brownfield cleanup grant ceiling rises from $4 million to $6 million per site or distinct phase. The annual loan ceiling also rises from $4 million to $6 million per recipient, with underwriting and performance review still required. Separate grant applications can seek additional awards for related but distinct phases or project addresses. A new application can also address added funding needs exceeding 50% of the original award or $6 million. That route requires commissioner findings on added parcels, newly identified cleanup costs, or changed cleanup scope; extra grants must complete priority projects and address unexpected costs or cleanup work with greater environmental benefit.
Budget office funds last another year
The Office of Policy and Management can carry $600,000 in fiscal year 2026 Other Expenses money into fiscal year 2027. The funds remain available for the same purpose through the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. This carryforward takes effect July 1, 2025.
Capital Region gets more development funding
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes up to $25 million in development grants through the Capital Region Development Authority. It also authorizes up to $20 million for East Hartford's economic development. East Hartford can use funds for riverfront improvements, housing, vacant-building demolition or redevelopment, and related redevelopment projects. The law does not set payments for individual residents.
Distressed towns gain investment fund access
Distressed municipalities can propose projects for Community Investment Fund 2030 support. Projects must serve an eligible economic or community development purpose and further consistent, fair, just, and impartial treatment of individuals. Municipalities, community development corporations, and nonprofit organizations can propose projects. Eligibility does not guarantee funding.
Four towns gain yearly state grants
Beginning July 1, 2025, annual supplemental grants provide Bridgeport $5 million and New London $1 million. Voluntown receives $60,000 related to a state-owned forest, and Branford receives $100,000 related to Connecticut Hospice. New London's grant relates to the United States Coast Guard Academy. These grants total $6.16 million annually, in addition to scheduled Municipal Revenue Sharing Fund payments.
Funding helps revive struggling commercial properties
Beginning July 1, 2025, Connecticut can provide up to $50 million in competitively awarded greyfield grants or loans. Eligible retail or office properties must be economically unviable and face major redevelopment barriers, as determined by the commissioner. Properties already eligible for the state's brownfield program are excluded; aid can cover assessments, demolition, cleanup, construction, and planning. A separate account carries unused funds forward and receives loan repayments, investment income, and bonds approved by the Governor and State Bond Commission. Administrative costs cannot exceed 5% of a grant or 5% of account funds, respectively.
Hartford venues and garages get upgrades
Beginning July 1, 2025, and again July 1, 2026, the law authorizes funding for Capital Region facilities. Each authorization includes up to $17 million for the Connecticut Convention Center and Rentschler Field. Each also includes up to $5 million for Hartford parking garages. The 2026 bonds and their use require State Bond Commission approval.
Local tax replacement grants gain protections
Starting with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, towns' and fire districts' total PILOT grants have a 2021-level floor. PILOT grants are state payments in place of property taxes. The law also bases grant proration on subsection 12-18b(b), excluding the separate grants formerly listed in subsection (e). Hartford's payment calculation must include South Meadows for payments on or after June 30, 2025, until the site is redeveloped.
More funding for freight rail lines
The law authorizes up to $10 million in bonds for commercial freight rail lines beginning July 1, 2025. Another $10 million is authorized beginning July 1, 2026. The money supports freight infrastructure, not direct household payments.
Motor vehicle offices get facility funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $10 million for motor vehicle department buildings and grounds. It also authorizes up to $15 million for changes to the Wethersfield office, including relocation. Beginning July 1, 2026, another $2.5 million is authorized for department buildings and grounds. The 2026 bonds and their use require State Bond Commission approval. These authorizations do not change fees or who qualifies for services.
South Meadows transfers to development authority
On June 30, 2025, South Meadows and related property and resources transferred to the Capital Region Development Authority. Only resources remaining after the transfer specified in Public Act 25-168 are included. Transferred funds must stay in separate accounts and can support site maintenance, cleanup, development, redevelopment, or related work. The South Meadows district cannot override federal law or aviation rules governing control of Hartford Brainard Airport.
State bond limit rises to $1.25 billion
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises the section 7-538 bond limit from $1.16 billion to $1.25 billion. A $45 million portion takes effect July 1, 2026. Proceeds remain limited to the uses listed in subsection (b) of that law. This provision does not specify household payments.
State bond limit rises to $127 million
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises one state bond limit from $107 million to $127 million. A $10 million portion takes effect July 1, 2026. Proceeds must support the purposes listed in section 85(b) of Public Act 13-3. This provision does not establish household payments.
State bond limit rises to $15 million
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law raises one state bond limit from $10 million to $15 million. It removes the prior clause scheduling $5 million of the authorization for July 1, 2024. Permitted uses remain those listed in section 100(b) of Public Act 23-205. The provision does not identify household recipients or guarantee direct payments.
State bond limit rises to $426 million
The law raises the bond limit under state law section 4-66g from $386 million to $426 million. The increase takes effect July 1, 2026. Proceeds remain limited to the uses listed in subsection (b) of that law. This provision does not specify household payments.
State bond limit rises to $62 million
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises the section 23-103 bond limit from $42 million to $62 million. A $10 million portion takes effect July 1, 2026. The bonds must support the purposes listed in subsection (b) of that law. This provision does not specify household payments or a funding distribution formula.
State bond limit rises to $691.1 million
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law raises the section 4a-10 bond limit from $611.1 million to $691.1 million. A $40 million portion takes effect July 1, 2026. Proceeds remain limited to the uses listed in subsection (b) of that law. This provision does not specify household payments.
State broadband office gains staffing funds
Beginning July 1, 2025, Connecticut makes $300,000 available for staffing the Office of State Broadband within the Office of Consumer Counsel. The money comes from the Office of Policy and Management's Other Expenses appropriation for the year ending June 30, 2026. This funding does not itself change household internet prices, service access, or benefits.
Microgrid projects get grants and loans
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes up to $25 million for a microgrid and energy resilience pilot. The program provides grants and loans for projects intended to improve local energy resilience. This authorization does not state applicant eligibility or individual award amounts.
New bonds for university health facilities
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law authorizes up to $43 million in bonds for University of Connecticut Health Center projects. This includes $3 million for telecommunications and $10 million for equipment, library collections, and telecommunications. Another $30 million supports maintenance, code compliance, and infrastructure. The State Bond Commission must approve the bonds and their use. Patient coverage and payment terms do not change.
Extra financing for housing construction borrowers
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority can offer extra loans to eligible Homes for CT borrowers when resources are available. These loans have lower repayment priority than participating lenders' loans. The authority sets their amounts, rates, repayment periods, and other terms. The law also authorizes separate administration grants of up to $10 million beginning July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Administration funding does not change borrower eligibility or loan terms.
Landlord grants support housing after prison
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $12 million in bonds for landlord grants. The Department of Housing provides grants to landlords who house formerly incarcerated people. Half the authority, $6 million, takes effect July 1, 2026. The law does not set an award amount for each landlord or household.
More financing for affordable housing projects
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes $50 million in bonds for affordable housing projects that create construction jobs. Up to $12.5 million is allocated in each budget year from 2026 through 2029. Unused authority carries forward to the next year. The law also authorizes up to $2 million for an Affordable Housing Real Estate Investment Trust pilot. These provisions fund projects and a pilot, without setting household benefits or resident eligibility.
More grants for capital region development
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $31 million for capital region development grants. It separately authorizes up to $20 million for East Hartford economic development. East Hartford uses include riverfront infrastructure, new or rehabilitated housing, and vacant-building demolition or redevelopment. These grants support projects, not direct household payments.
Rural communities gain infrastructure grant funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $30 million in bonds for rural infrastructure grants. The Department of Economic and Community Development awards grants for infrastructure needed to support housing or economic development. Eligible work includes water, electric distribution, and sewer services. Eligible places include towns with 10,000 or fewer residents or fewer than 500 people per square mile. Federally designated rural towns and census tracts also qualify.
More state-backed borrowing for university projects
Beginning July 1, 2025, the University of Connecticut's state-backed project borrowing limit rises from $3.9089 billion to $3.9129 billion. That limit covers budget years ending June 30, 2006, through June 30, 2031, for listed projects. The 2026 borrowing cap rises from $124 million to $128 million, with unused authority carrying forward. The listed estimate for Gampel Pavilion and Greer Field House rises from $160 million to $164 million.
Public colleges gain campus upgrade funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $30 million each for community-college and university maintenance, code compliance, and infrastructure. It also authorizes $5 million for energy efficiency. Gateway workforce facilities, Kinney Hall renovation design at Naugatuck Valley, and Norwalk's B-wing improvements each receive $1 million in authority. Gateway's facilities support transportation, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, and health workforce programs. UConn also gains up to $5 million for equipment, library collections, and telecommunications, plus $3 million for regional-campus digital learning.
Public colleges get equipment and communications
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $3 million for University of Connecticut communications infrastructure. It also authorizes up to $25 million for UConn Health equipment, library collections, and communications. Beginning July 1, 2026, up to $5 million is authorized for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities communications infrastructure. The 2026 bonds and their use require State Bond Commission approval.
State workforce initiatives gain bond funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law authorizes up to $30 million in bonds for workforce innovation and sustainability. The Office of Workforce Strategy uses the proceeds for those purposes. Issuance requires a request signed by or for the state budget secretary and confirmation by the State Bond Commission. Bonds can mature no later than 20 years after issuance. The law does not set individual worker eligibility or payment amounts.
New incentives for supply-chain business projects
Beginning July 1, 2025, the state can create a competitive program for supply-chain business and workforce training projects. Support can include grants, loans, subsidies, or tax credits to establish, grow, upgrade, or expand companies and facilities. The economic development commissioner decides which major or emerging industries qualify. Total incentives cannot exceed $25 million per fiscal year or $50 million overall. No company or worker is guaranteed an award.
Temporary property tax exemption at South Meadows
Beginning June 30, 2025, the South Meadows site and personal property there are exempt from property tax under chapter 203. The exemption ends when the specified development or redevelopment project begins. This tax relief applies to the site, not directly to household taxpayers.
Daily limits on beverage container returns
A person can redeem no more than 240 containers daily at a dealer or its return machine. Redemption centers cannot accept over 5,000 containers per person daily, except for nonprofit organizations or verified fundraising activities. Above 2,500 daily returns, centers must record identifying, vehicle, container-origin, and count details. The person must certify that the containers were sold filled in Connecticut and have not already been redeemed. Centers must keep these records for at least two years and allow the commissioner to examine them.
Public workers face sick-leave use limits
Some school and municipal employers can require sick leave to be used in blocks set by a labor agreement. This applies when employers provide paid sick leave or other paid leave accruing faster than the statutory rate. Covered workers include school employees, police officers, firefighters, and public works employees. Workers keep the right to use their maximum accrued hours for purposes allowed by law.
Cultural grants can require property liens
Beginning July 1, 2025, the state can require property liens for nonprofit cultural or historic-site grants of up to $100,000. A lien secures repayment if the property's use changes. It can cover real or personal property. No lien is required for property owned by the state, a town, or a housing authority.
Tighter operating rules for redemption centers
Beverage-container redemption centers need state approval and annual registration to operate. Operators must supply required registration information and report changes to specified business, sponsor, container, and operating-hours details within 48 hours. Centers cannot move containers off-site or between their locations before tendering them to a distributor for removal. Written distributor permission allows an exception.
Less bond funding for paid leave
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law reduces two bond-funded grant limits for the state paid leave trust fund. One falls from $25 million to $16.019735 million. The other falls from $25 million to $10 million. These funding changes do not change individual eligibility or benefit amounts.
Farmington loses specific school reimbursement authority
Farmington loses a specific authorization for up to $1.8 million in state reimbursement for otherwise-ineligible costs. It covered Farmington High School construction and board of education or central administration facility projects. This change removes that reimbursement route, not all state school-building assistance.
Less funding for workforce training programs
Beginning July 1, 2025, maximum CareerConneCT workforce training bond funding drops from $20 million to $10 million. No more than $5 million can fund the Connecticut Career Accelerator Program Account. Related total bond authority falls from $351.55 million to $341.55 million. The provision does not change participant eligibility or set individual awards.
Bottle redemption centers face quarterly reports
Connecticut redemption-center operators must report container counts and types to the state every quarter, grouped by town. Reports must use the environmental commissioner's form and include required records and any additional information the commissioner requires. The state can deny annual registration to a center that fails to report.
Cleanup grants lose automatic zone priority
Beginning July 1, 2025, brownfield cleanup grant applications in federally designated opportunity zones no longer receive required priority. The commissioner can still give those applications priority. Projects in those zones remain eligible to apply and receive awards.
Cromwell loses field lighting funding earmark
Beginning July 1, 2025, Cromwell loses an earmark of up to $250,000 for lights at a Little League field. The law does not state that the broader urban development grant authorization shrinks. It also does not name a replacement recipient.
Facility grant recipients face repayment rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, covered facility grant contracts must require repayment from recipients other than Connecticut political subdivisions. Repayment applies when premises stop serving the grant-funded facility within 10 years after the grant. The amount owed falls by 10% of the original grant for each full year elapsed. Contracts must also provide for a state lien, except on premises owned by the state, a municipality, or a housing authority.
Facility grantees face ten-year repayment rules
Beginning July 1, 2025, facility grants covered by section 13(a) through (k) must include repayment terms. These apply to recipients that are not Connecticut political subdivisions and end the approved facility use within 10 years. Repayment equals the grant minus 10% of its amount for each full year since the grant. Contracts must provide for a state lien on the land. The lien requirement excludes property owned by the state, a municipality, or a housing authority.
Late town transportation reports trigger cuts
Beginning July 1, 2025, towns or districts face a 10% highway and transportation grant cut for late annual expenditure reports. The cut applies for the fiscal year. The state budget secretary must waive it when the recipient files the late report and provides proof of submission.
Less borrowing for state accountability databases
Beginning July 1, 2025, two bond allocations for accountability databases in the state's financial system shrink. One falls from $3 million to $2.65 million; its related total bond limit falls from $350.4213 million to $350.0713 million. The second falls from $3.5 million to $2.65 million; its related total falls from $276.583746 million to $275.733746 million. These changes concern state databases, not household payments or benefit eligibility.
Less funding for state electric vehicles
Beginning July 1, 2025, bond funding for state electric vehicles and charging infrastructure falls from $35 million to $25 million. Charging work must be at state facilities. The related total bond limit falls from $751.29 million to $741.29 million. This changes state project financing, not household vehicle rebates or tax credits.
Opportunity zone cleanup loan priority weakens
Beginning July 1, 2025, the state no longer must prioritize brownfield development loan applications in federal opportunity zones. The Department of Economic and Community Development can still give these projects priority. Neither priority nor a loan is guaranteed.
Town grants face new planning requirements
Towns whose 2026 section 55 grant is at least 75% above 2025 face a hold on the increase. Their chief executive must meet with the state budget secretary by October 1, 2025, about reducing future state-funding reliance. The secretary can require a written action plan before releasing the increase. Before receiving section 13 and 32 grants, Bridgeport's mayor must submit a corrective plan by September 1, 2025. The mayor must present it and answer questions before the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission by December 31, 2025, addressing future reliance on supplemental education grants.
Less funding for college system consolidation
Beginning July 1, 2025, maximum bond funding for combining higher education systems with the state’s CORE system falls. The limit drops from $5 million to $2 million. Related total bond authority falls from $272.433776 million to $269.433776 million. The law does not specify changes to tuition or student services.
University research bonds limited to laboratories
Beginning July 1, 2025, bonds supporting the University of Connecticut's research faculty recruitment and hiring program have a restricted use. Proceeds must pay only for laboratories for recruited faculty. Allowed costs include related construction, renovation, and equipment. The law states no funding amount for this restriction.
Loan reimbursement service rules gain waivers
Beginning July 1, 2025, loan reimbursement participants must complete at least 50 volunteer hours per participation year unless waived. Qualifying service includes charities, religious groups, towns, military service, specified firefighting and emergency medical work, and required unpaid student work. Hours can be combined across organizations and used for up to two years after completion; only military service can be paid. A medical or disability waiver requires an application and a written determination from the treating health care provider. Stone Academy pathway participants receive an automatic waiver.
Some towns gain annuity plan option
The municipal retirement commission can establish an alternative annuity plan with unanimous approval from the specified trustees. Towns already participating in MERS when the annuity plan starts cannot join. An adopting town can transfer accounts and assets from its existing defined contribution plan. The law does not set an implementation date, contribution rates, or benefit amounts.
New Haven gains restricted school reimbursement
New Haven gains up to $17.824348 million for otherwise-excluded costs at Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy and Hill Central School. The state must offset remaining ineligible costs against amounts due for the Bowen Field project. New Haven must use the specified amounts for its local share of school-building projects. Those projects' applications must be made and approved on or after July 1, 2025.
Two school statutes are repealed
The law repeals Connecticut school statutes 10-265r and 10-283b. The supplied text does not explain what those statutes covered. Their effects on school funding, programs, or eligibility cannot be determined from this text.
Convention bureau grant changes funding source
Beginning July 1, 2025, the CT Convention & Sports Bureau has a $500,000 grant available for fiscal year 2026. The money comes from the Office of Policy and Management's Other Expenses appropriation. The same $500,000 is removed from the Tourism Fund schedule.
Ledyard and Montville aid changes years
Ledyard and Montville each receive $800,000 in municipal aid for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. This replaces $500,000 per town for that year. The law also removes the separately specified aid for fiscal year 2026. These changes take effect July 1, 2025.
Probate court fund keeps larger reserve
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Probate Court Administration Fund can retain a larger reserve before transferring excess money. The threshold rises from 15% to 20% of the next fiscal year's authorized spending. Money above that threshold goes to the General Fund. The change does not directly alter individual probate fees or benefits.
State project funds gain transfer rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Bond Commission can redirect excess section 21 project funds to finish another listed project. Money left after all listed projects are paid must go to the General Fund. Requests under sections 45–50 must identify the project and recommend whether federal, private, or other available funds should supplement state money. The commission can direct that recommended funds be added. Excess section 46 bond proceeds must follow state transportation bond laws, sections 13b-74 through 13b-77, and applicable commission proceedings.
Heat-pump funding expands beyond purchase rebates
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law replaces the bond-funded heat-pump purchase rebate use with broader deployment support. The environmental agency can use the money for cost-effective heat-pump deployment for heating and other thermal needs statewide. This broadens allowed support but no longer directs these proceeds specifically to point-of-sale rebates. The provision does not promise buyers a payment or set a rebate amount.
Housing bonds can cover administration costs
Beginning July 1, 2025, the state can use general obligation housing bond proceeds to pay housing program administration costs. These expenses cannot exceed $1 million in any fiscal year. The State Bond Commission must approve the expenses, and the Governor must release the money. This supports program operations but allows bond money to go toward administration rather than other housing program uses.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Matthew Ritter
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/4/2025
House Roll Call Vote 348 EMERGENCY CERTIFICATION
Yes: 144 • No: 4
Senate vote • 6/4/2025
Senate Roll Call Vote 386
Yes: 35 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
6/30/2025legislatureTransmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
6/27/2025legislatureTransmitted to the Secretary of State
6/27/2025legislaturePublic Act 25-174
6/23/2025legislatureIn Concurrence
6/4/2025legislatureSenate Passed
6/4/2025SenateTransmitted Pursuant To Joint Rule 17
6/4/2025legislatureHouse Passed
6/4/2025HouseRules Suspended
6/4/2025legislatureEmergency Certification
6/4/2025legislature
Bill Text
New Bill
6/4/2025
Public Act No. 25-174
6/4/2025
Bill Analysis for HB-7288
Fiscal Note for HB-7288
House Roll Call Vote 348 EMERGENCY CERTIFICATION
Senate Roll Call Vote 386
Summary for Public Act No. 25-174
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