CT House Speaker stalled passage of ‘Golden Girls’ housing bill

During this year’s legislative session, the Connecticut Senate managed what has become a rare occurrence in this state: passing a bipartisan housing bill.

The legislation — commonly referred to as the “Golden Girls bill” — would have required towns to allow homeowners to rent individual rooms in their homes to long-term tenants.

While some Republicans raised concerns, those who are typically the most vocal in their opposition to housing-related measures saw it as a good solution. It offered homeowners control over their properties while not changing the structure or size of buildings in neighborhoods.

After its easy passage through the Senate, the bill was never called in the House of Representatives. The source of the opposition, however, came from what advocates said was an unexpected source: House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford.