BREAKING: Lamont Announces Intent to Veto Housing Bill Targeting Local Zoning
In a surprise announcement Today, Governor Ned Lamont said he will veto House Bill 5002, a sweeping housing measure that critics say would have gutted local zoning authority in favor of top-down state mandates.
Although the official veto has not yet been filed, the Governor made his position public during a press conference—just one day before the June 24 deadline to act on the legislation before it would automatically become law.
Sen. Ryan Fazio: “This should never have been in question”
“I am glad to hear of the governor’s last-minute veto to H.B. 5002, that several of my colleagues and I called for as soon as it passed the Senate and tens of thousands across the state petitioned the governor’s office for. This should never have been in question,” said State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-New Canaan, Stamford and Greenwich).
“H.B. 5002 was a historic attempt to undermine local control of decision-making for towns and cities. Local control and home rule are time-honored principles in this state that make our communities stronger and better. As I urged the governor personally last week, we should veto this bill not only because it is bad policy but also because we can still find common ground… I stand ready to work with anyone and everyone to do that.”
Maria Weingarten, CT169Strong: “Now the true hard work begins”
“CT169Strong is thankful and gratified that Governor Ned Lamont has announced his intention to veto HB-5002,” said Maria Weingarten, co-founder of the bipartisan municipal coalition made up of citizen volunteers and local officials across Connecticut.
“This bill was an ill-conceived attempt to usurp local control, eliminate parking requirements, and impose arbitrary quotas and penalties on towns that are already advancing affordability in realistic and sustainable ways. It stifled public input, bypassed local land-use professionals, and was pushed forward with no time for meaningful review. Connecticut residents from nearly every town stood up and were heard. Now the true hard work begins.”
CCM: “Local voices must remain central”
The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), which represents every city and town in the state, also praised the veto decision.
“Governor Lamont’s decision underscores the importance of thoughtful, inclusive policymaking that respects the role of local governments in shaping housing solutions that work for their unique communities,” said CCM in a public statement.
“Connecticut’s cities and towns recognize the urgent need to expand housing opportunities across the state. We are committed to working collaboratively to craft viable, balanced solutions that promote affordability, equity, and growth—while ensuring the voices of local officials and residents remain central in the process.”
