May 24, 2021

OPINION: Zoning Bill Passed Out of the House Goes Too Far

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On May 20, the House of Representatives passed HB 6107, a bill that was altered through a last-minute strike-all amendment to comprise a slew of proposals dealing with local zoning regulations. Painted as a path towards increasing housing diversity and promoting equity by its proponents, this bill seeks to remove the ability of our municipalities to decide their own zoning rules.

The bill requires towns and cities to allow accessory apartments “as of right,” which essentially means that municipalities cannot prohibit their construction, and changes limits in the number of required parking spaces. Fortunately, we were able to secure “opt-out” clauses for these provisions. The point remains that these kinds of decisions should be made on a town-by-town basis by the people who know the needs of the community – NOT the legislators in Hartford. They shouldn’t have to “opt-out” of anything; they should simply be able to make the best decision for their residents on their own.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there. Legislators from the majority have already alluded to future legislation that will even further infringe upon the sovereignty of our municipalities. This bill just opens the door to the more stringent proposals discussed at the beginning of the session.

I will continue to fight as hard as I can for the rights of our municipalities to make their own rules when it comes to zoning regulations and enforcement. If you too are concerned with the removal of ‘home rule’ in our towns, I encourage you to reach out to the Senate and the governor’s office to let them know how you feel:

Senate Democrats: 800-842-1420; senatedems.ct.gov
Senate Republicans: 800-842-1421; ctsenaterepublicans.com
Governor Lamont: 800-406-1527; ct.gov/governor

Representative Irene Haines Co-Sponsors New Law Signed by Governor to Expand Benefits for Families of Fallen First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Irene Haines (R-34) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that expands important benefits for the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Senate Bill 1239, which Representative Haines co-sponsored and strongly supported, renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the […]

June 27, 2025

2025 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

The 2025 legislative session has officially come to a close, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to represent the people of East Haddam, East Hampton, and Salem at the State Capitol. This session, I remained focused on the values and priorities that matter most to our communities—local control, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. […]

June 17, 2025