State Sen. Hwang Comments On Gov. Lamont's Signing Of Housing Bill HB 8002

The following opinion essay is by state Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28th):

FAIRFIELD, CT — Governor Lamont’s decision to sign HB 8002 on Thanksgiving Eve, when families are traveling, gathering, and focused on loved ones - speaks volumes. This “perfectly timed” holiday news-dump is a troubling extension of the same lack of transparency and accountability that has defined this bill from the start. There was no public hearing, no meaningful debate, and no genuine opportunity for residents or local leaders to weigh in on a sweeping statewide housing mandate that will reshape communities across Connecticut.

HB 8002 strips zoning authority away from local municipalities, replaces community-driven planning with top-down directives, and fails to meaningfully address housing affordability. Signing such a consequential bill at a moment when the public is least likely to notice is not leadership—it is avoidance. It reflects the dangers of one-party rule, where process is compressed, dissent is sidelined, and major policy decisions are made behind closed doors.

As I stated in my Senate floor remarks on November 14th Special Session when voting “NO,” the emergency certification process used to advance this bill bypassed due process and eroded public trust. “Opt-In” flexibility is an illusion, backed by the threat of withholding state resources. The bill even weakens the 8-30g moratorium tool, one of the few mechanisms towns can use to show good-faith progress while protecting environmental, infrastructure, and traffic capacity limits.

This moment demands better. Connecticut deserves housing policies built on collaboration, transparency, and respect for local authority, not coercive mandates rushed through under the cover of a holiday celebration.

I will continue fighting for thoughtful, responsible, community-informed housing solutions that truly help Connecticut families, protect our environment, and uphold the democratic processes that should guide all major public policy decisions.

Tony Hwang
State Senator
28th Senate District