May 21, 2015

REP. BUTLER LEADS HOUSE PASSAGE OF BILL
TO ASSIST FAMILIES MOVE TO BETTER HOUSING

State Representative Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury) led passage in the House of Representatives of HB 6138, An Act Concerning Residence Mobility Counseling for Subsidized Housing. The bill will assist with the movement of families from high poverty to low poverty areas, promote desegregation and expansion of housing opportunities for low-income households. The bill moves to the Senate for consideration.

"This bill will provide people with information about their housing choices. Families will now have the opportunity to know comprehensive information about just about anything you could want to know about the neighborhood you choose to move to," said Rep. Butler. "Everything from educational data, crime statistics, employment information, and a vast array of other details will be available to help people decide where they would like to live."

The Department of Housing will establish the residence mobility counseling program to assist individuals or families in relocating their residences to higher opportunity areas through education and support services. Counseling provided shall include:

• Providing information regarding communities, schools, employment opportunities and community services available in various areas
• Assisting with locating rental housing that meets the individual's or family's needs
• Facilitating a relocation by negotiating with the current and future landlord about the transfer of rental assistance certificates or vouchers
• Acting as a liaison between the individual or family and the landlord to encourage a successful transition and housing stability.

If eventually passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, the bill would go into effect on October 1st.