OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5535

AN ACT CONCERNING ELIGIBILITY OF NONRESIDENTS TO VOTE AT TOWN MEETINGS OR REFERENDA.

SUMMARY:

The law sets conditions under which nonresidents may vote at town or special district meetings, except elections. A nonresident may vote at these meetings if he or she is at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and owns property in the town or district. Under current law, the property must be assessed for at least $ 1,000, excluding exemptions for veterans or the blind. This bill raises the assessment threshold to $ 25,000.

As under current law, the conditions for voting at town or district meetings apply only if the town or district's special act neither limits nor restricts nonresidents' participation.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

COMMITTEE ACTION

Planning and Development Committee

Joint Favorable