Summer 2026 Issue Article

Legislative Wrap-Up

In the 2026 legislative session, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut (HBRA of CT) achieved significant advocacy victories to support housing affordability and market-driven development. Most notably, the association spearheaded the passage of H.B. 5401, a landmark code cycle reform bill that unanimously passed both chambers to freeze state building codes following the 2024 model codes review. This success brings predictability and cost relief to construction projects while keeping future mandatory code updates balanced and practical.

Beyond code reform, the HBRA of CT effectively navigated a dense legislative agenda by successfully advocating for expansion of DEEP general permits, supporting funding increases for housing infrastructure, and securing key residential carveouts within the controversial 'wage theft' labor omnibus bill. The session highlighted the growing intersection of housing policy with environmental, labor, and energy sectors, underscoring the vital role of ongoing member engagement and direct local outreach ahead of the fall elections.

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