CT HB05279

Restructures the Historic Preservation Council effective October 1, 2018, changing from 12 Governor-appointed members to a 16-member council including 6 legislative appointees (one each from House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore, House Majority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, and both minority leaders), 10 Governor-appointed members, and 2 ex officio members (State Historian and State Archaeologist).

Establishes a four-year term limit for council members with a maximum of two consecutive full terms, requires monthly meetings, and removes the Governor's unilateral power to remove members.

Expands municipal authority to protect historic properties by allowing municipalities to establish approval processes through historic commissions to review demolitions, building removals, and external architectural alterations visible from public streets, rather than limiting protections only to properties listed on the National Register or state register.

Allows the Department of Economic and Community Development to withhold public disclosure of archaeological site locations when disclosure would create risk of destruction or harm, with protection lasting until July 1 unless extended by the site discoverer.

All changes take effect October 1, 2018, with all council members appointed before that date having their terms terminated.