Rep. Buchsbaum Opposes New Housing BIll, Supports Other Legislation in Special Session

Hartford, CT - The House of Representatives was called into Special Session November 12, 2025 to vote on a number of items. State Representative Jason Buchsbaum (R-69) expressed disappointment with the process as almost none of the proposals were emergencies and could have waited until the regular session that opens in February.  Also, the bills were not provided until shortly before the session started and the normal processes for public input were discarded while taking up these bills on an emergency basis. 

One of the more controversial items presented was the new housing bill (H.B. 8002). The prior version of this bill (H.B. 5002) was vetoed by the Governor earlier this year. This bill substantially intrudes upon municipal governance, circumvents local zoning, and impedes local control. 

"Most disappointing, despite all the opposition that has been heard throughout the year, the public and our local municipal officials were deprived of the opportunity to be heard on the legislation," said Rep. Buchsbaum. "The 100-plus page proposal was not even posted to the General Assembly website until shortly before session started. Stakeholders can always disagree on policy, but a bad process leads to bad legislation."

Rep. Buchsbaum voted no on this bill and objected to the process utilized. 

"As an advocate for open and transparent government, I cannot support a major policy change drafted behind closed doors and passed without public input under the guise of an emergency session," noted Rep. Buchsbaum.  "This was a flawed process which amounts to a major disservice to our residents. For me, this vote was also about respecting our communities and local decision-making. I believe that our local leaders are better suited to determine how they want their towns to be developed."

Rep. Buchsbaum does not support a one-size-fits-all approach mandated from Hartford, which doesn’t reflect the real differences among communities across the state—each has its own character, challenges, and priorities.

The House also voted on a bill that will allow UConn Health to acquire Waterbury Hospital, and eventually Putnam’s Day Kimball Hospital and Bristol Hospital. The measure calls for up to $390 million in bonds to acquire and improve the hospitals, operated as part of a new joint venture with UConn Health.

Another measure sets up a short term 'federal response fund' to protect SNAP benefits, and several other federal programs, if there is any lapse in federal funding until next year’s regular session.

Rep. Buchsbaum supported both of these bills which passed on a bipartisan basis.  He did so because these types of focused bills are better suited for a special session and good examples of how legislators can work together to address important needs in their communities.