Bill Summary: HB 05103

• Repeals and replaces Section 22a-20a of Connecticut General Statutes, effective October 1, 2020, to strengthen environmental justice protections for low-income communities.

• Defines "environmental justice community" as census block groups where 30% or more of the population have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, or distressed municipalities.

• Requires applicants seeking permits or approvals for "affecting facilities" (power plants over 10 megawatts, incinerators, landfills, waste facilities, and major air pollution sources) in environmental justice communities to submit meaningful public participation plans and conduct informal public meetings with affected residents.

• Mandates applicants publish meeting notices 10-30 days in advance in newspapers and online, provide information in multiple languages (20%+ of nearby population), and notify neighborhood groups and elected officials; regulators cannot act on applications until 60 days after the public meeting.

• Requires municipalities hosting five or more permitted affecting facilities to enter community environmental benefit agreements for any additional facilities, including funding for environmental education, air monitoring, asthma screening, parks, and other mitigation projects negotiated with community residents.