CT HB05161

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 board members' terms from one year to three years, with one-half of members appointed between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, serving initial two-year terms to stagger transitions.

Reduces the notification period for municipal preservation boards regarding National Register of Historic Places nominations from sixty days to thirty days prior to state board consideration.

Makes attendance at municipal hearings optional for the State Historic Preservation Officer, changing the requirement from "shall" to "may" attend.

Applies state environmental protection provisions to unreasonable destruction of historic structures and landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with cost-shifting to plaintiffs unable to establish a prima facie case.