Over the last six months, tenants at several apartment buildings in Connecticut rallied around the issue of new, corporate ownership.

The state’s housing committee heard nearly five hours of testimony in a public hearing Tuesday, most of which centered on a proposed law preventing landlords from discriminating against residents with recent felony convictions.

The People's Parity Project and others are trying to encourage Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont to appoint more judges from non-corporate and non-prosecutorial backgrounds.

Although no date has yet been announced, a public meeting is being planned to coincide with the expiration of several trust board members.

The bill would grant religious institutions the ability to establish no more than eight dwellings, of no more than 400 square feet, on their property for homeless residents.

The task force’s goal is to identify property owners,many of whom aren’t located in Connecticut, and have consistent code violations.

Housing advocates are asking the state legislature to approve an updated version of the “Work Live Ride” bill passed last year, promoting housing development along main transportation corridors.

Expansion of the state’s “Just Cause” law would prevent landlords from removing compliant tenants without legal grounds, resulting in a “no-fault” eviction. It is used by landlords to remove unruly tenants.

Lawmakers in the State House of Representatives and Senate voted in favor of appropriating the COVID funds to the federally-backed Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The bill would also incentivize affordable housing construction, which is often hindered by a lack of sewer infrastructure able to handle new apartments.

The recommended biennial budget makes housing of all types a priority, adding apartments and making it easier for families to purchase homes, Lamont said.

Last year, providers requested $50 million from the state legislature. They were granted $5 million.