HB 6647 Summary

• Creates a Geographic Information Systems Advisory Council effective October 1, 2021, to advise the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management on coordination, procurement, processing, storage and distribution of free and public GIS data

• Advisory Council consists of 17 members including representatives from five state departments, two regional councils of governments, two municipal governments, University of Connecticut, one public utility company, and two private companies with GIS mapping expertise

• Members serve two-year terms with initial appointments by January 1, 2022, and subsequent appointments by January 1, 2024, and biennially thereafter; Council must meet by March 1st following appointments to elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson

• Designates a Geographic Information Officer within the Office of Policy and Management to oversee a GIS Office with responsibilities including coordinating data collection and dissemination, managing a public geospatial data clearinghouse, supporting economic development, providing training, and establishing data standards

• Officer responsible for administering creation and acquisition of geospatial data including aerial imagery, elevation data, and parcel information across state agencies, regional councils, and municipalities