CT HB07079

Renames the State Historic Preservation Board to the State Historic Preservation Review Board and maintains its ten-member composition appointed by the State Historic Preservation Officer.

Changes the term length for state board members from one year to three years, with an initial staggered transition where half of members appointed between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 serve two-year terms.

Reduces the advance notification requirement to municipalities from 60 days to 30 days prior to state board consideration of National Register nominations for properties in their jurisdiction.

Clarifies that the State Historic Preservation Officer or designee "may" attend municipal hearings (rather than "shall") and updates the regulatory criteria reference from 36 CFR § 60.6 to 36 CFR § 60.4.

Applies existing environmental laws (sections 22a-15 to 22a-19) to protect against unreasonable destruction of historic structures and landmarks listed or under consideration for listing on the National Register, and requires courts to tax all costs to plaintiffs who cannot demonstrate prima facie cases.