(a) As used in sections 8-244b to 8-244d, inclusive, and this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates another meaning and intent:

(1) “Department” means the Department of Housing;

(2) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Housing;

(3) “CHFA” means the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, as created under this chapter; and

(4) “SHA” means the State Housing Authority as created under section 8-244b.

(b) In addition to his or her other powers and duties, the commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To utilize the department's resources for planning and developing a housing and community development reorganization plan that (A) sets forth policy goals for the department; (B) determines strategies to encourage housing and community development and the provision of housing in this state, including housing for very low, low and moderate income families; (C) determines the feasibility of dividing the operation of programs and resources of the state in support of housing and community development between the department and CHFA; (D) identifies strategies to increase the leverage of resources of the state used in furtherance of the purposes of CHFA; (E) identifies, if feasible, divisions and recommends a timetable and procedures for transferring resources and operations between the department and CHFA; and (F) recommends specific housing and community development objectives and administrative structures for the department and CHFA. In developing such plan, the department shall be the lead agency, in collaboration with CHFA, for research, planning and development of the plan and shall solicit community and regional input in the preparation of such plan in such a manner as will best help develop, clarify or further state policies for housing and community development. The commissioner shall submit a copy of the reorganization plan to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to commerce and planning and development;

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of the general statutes or any special act and with the approval of the Treasurer and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, to transfer to CHFA: (A) Any revenues received by the department or the state in connection with any program or project of the department and the right to receive any such revenues; and (B) any loan assets or equity interests held by the department in connection with any program or project of the department; provided, no such transfer shall be approved by the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management if either determines that such transfer could adversely affect the tax-exempt status of any bonds of the state, the substantial interests of third parties, the financial budget of the state or other essential rights, interests or prerogatives of the state. The commissioner may impose such conditions as he or she deems necessary or appropriate with respect to the use by CHFA of any revenues, rights, assets, interests or amounts transferred to it by the department under this subdivision, provided the commissioner may waive any requirement under this subdivision;

(3) To award to CHFA financial, technical or other assistance. Financial assistance awarded by the department to CHFA may take any of the following forms, subject to any conditions imposed by the department: (A) Grants; (B) loans; (C) guarantees; (D) contracts of insurance; and (E) investments. In addition, to the extent funds or resources are available to the department for such purposes, the commissioner may provide such further financial or other assistance to CHFA as the commissioner in his or her sole discretion deems appropriate for any of the purposes of CHFA; and

(4) To enter into such agreements with CHFA as may be appropriate for the purpose of performing its duties, which agreements may include, but shall not be limited to, provisions for the delivery of services by CHFA to third parties, provisions for payment by the department to CHFA for the delivery of such services, provisions for advances and reimbursements to the department for any expenses incurred or to be incurred by it in delivery of any services, assistance, revenues, rights, assets and interests and provisions for the sharing with CHFA of assistants, agents and other consultants, professionals and employees, and facilities and other real and personal property used in the conduct of the department's affairs.

(P.A. 13-234, S. 9; 13-247, S. 88.)

History: P.A. 13-234 effective July 1, 2013; P.A. 13-247 amended Subsec. (a)(4) by replacing “SHE” with “SHA”, effective July 1, 2013.