CT SB00307

Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) consolidates several internal offices by removing statutory references to the Office of Film, Television and Digital Media; Office of Data Infrastructure Administration and Security; Office of Small Business Affairs; Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development; Office of Community Economic Development Assistance; and Office of Neighborhood Investment and Community Engagement, transferring their functions directly to the department

Renames the "Small Business Express" program to "Connecticut Small Business Boost" program and renames the "minority business revolving loan fund" to "Connecticut opportunity fund," expanding eligibility to small businesses located in eligible municipalities (public investment communities, alliance districts, or distressed municipalities) or earning not more than $1 million in annual revenue

Renames the "Minority Business Initiative Advisory Board" to "First Generation and Emerging Business Initiative Advisory Board," adds two members appointed by the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, and expands its focus to include emerging technology businesses in bioscience, advanced materials, photonics, information technology, and clean technology

Modifies multiple reporting deadlines from January 1 to February 1 for various annual reports, eliminates certain annual reporting requirements, and repeals defunct programs including the Contracting Opportunities and Services program (sections 32-324 and 32-324a through 32-324h)

Revises the concentrated poverty census tract grant program by delaying application acceptance from January 2024 to July 2028, streamlining application requirements, and removing the requirement for legislative informational forums while maintaining the ten-year pilot program to reduce concentrated poverty