HB 5491 Summary

• Commissioner of Administrative Services serves as sole authorized representative for state real estate dealings (construction, development, acquisition, leasing) effective October 1, 2022, with seven enumerated exceptions for specific agencies and authorities.

• State Properties Review Board placed within Department of Administrative Services with independent decision-making authority to review and approve or disapprove real estate transactions by designated state agencies.

• All actions by the seven excepted entities (legislative, judicial, higher education, labor, developmental services, mental health, and marketing authority) remain subject to State Properties Review Board review and approval.

• Consultant service contract threshold lowered from $100,000 to $50,000 for general state projects, requiring Properties Review Board approval prior to consultant employment within 30-day review period.

• Board given access to all information, files, and financial records of relevant state agencies and authority to hear appeals under section 8-273a with final decisions within 30 days.