Connecticut2026Passed Legislature
HB05282
Changes to State Planning Rules and Cost Limits
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 6:19 AM
In one sentence
This law raises cost limits for state projects that must follow the state plan of conservation and development, removes rules about priority funding areas, updates names for regional planning groups, and changes how future plans identify growth areas.
What it does
- Raises the dollar amount limit from $200,000 to $1 million for buying land or building improvements by state agencies using public funds that must follow the plan.
- Removes the requirement that state agencies must follow the plan when buying public transportation equipment or facilities.
- Eliminates rules about priority funding areas and removes sections of law related to those areas.
- Changes the name 'regional planning agency' to 'regional council of governments' in many existing laws.
- Requires future state plans to identify areas for compact, transit-accessible development instead of focusing on old priority zones.
Who it affects
- State agencies that buy land, build projects, or give grants using public money
- The University of Connecticut regarding its third phase project plan
- Municipalities creating local conservation and development plans after July 1, 2026
- Regional councils of governments formerly known as regional planning agencies
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not state the exact dollar amounts for future years, only that they will change based on construction costs every five years.
- The text mentions specific dates in 2026 and 2027 but does not list all possible exceptions to these new rules.
Plain language
Terms to know
- State Plan of Conservation and Development
- A long-term guide that sets goals for how the state should grow, use land, and manage resources.
- Regional Councils of Governments
- Groups made up of local leaders from different towns who work together on regional planning issues.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
To increase cost thresholds relating to certain actions required to be undertaken consistent with the state plan of conservation and development, eliminate a requirement that certain acquisitions by state agencies be consistent with such plan and eliminate priority funding areas.
Official activity
Bill history
- Signed by the Governor
- Transmitted to the Secretary of State
- Transmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
- Public Act 26-126LCO
- Senate Passed
- In Concurrence
- Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
- Senate Calendar Number 365
- House Passed
- Reported Out of Legislative Commissioners' OfficeLCO
- Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House
- House Calendar Number 63
- File Number 58LCO
- Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 03/17/26 5:00 PMLCO
- Filed with Legislative Commissioners' OfficeLCO
- Joint Favorable SubstitutePD
- Public Hearing 02/27
- Referred to Joint Committee on Planning and Development