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SB 13

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CALCULATION OF STATE FOREST LAND IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES FOR PURPOSES OF GRANTS IN LIEU OF TAXES PAYMENTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Howard and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill adjusts state forest acreage calculations for municipal tax compensation, potentially redistributing annual GILT payments among towns.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Appropriations
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Bill Summary · SB 13

Legislative bill overview

SB 13 modifies how Connecticut calculates the acreage of state forest land within municipalities for the purpose of determining Grants in Lieu of Taxes (GILT) payments. The bill appears to adjust the methodology or valuation formula used to compensate municipalities for tax-exempt state-owned forest properties, which is a form of revenue sharing between the state and local governments.

Why is this important

Municipalities depend on GILT payments to offset lost property tax revenue from tax-exempt state lands within their borders. Changes to how acreage is calculated directly affect the dollar amount towns receive annually, impacting local budgets for schools, infrastructure, and services. Even modest adjustments to calculation methods can represent significant revenue shifts for forest-rich towns.

Potential points of contention

  • Municipal revenue impact: Towns may gain or lose funding depending on whether the new calculation increases or decreases their measured state forest acreage
  • Fairness of methodology: Disputes may arise over whether the revised calculation method more accurately reflects actual forest holdings or unfairly advantages certain municipalities over others
  • State budget implications: Changing GILT formulas affects total state appropriations needed, potentially shifting costs between competing budget priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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