Sen. Martin Backs Measure to Improve Contaminated Properties

Sen. Henri Martin of Bristol, the ranking Republican senator on the legislature’s Commerce Committee, has voted in favor of legislation revising the state’s so-called Transfer Act in order to strike a better balance between expensive environmental cleanups and economic development opportunities.

“This has been a true bipartisan effort to be proud of,” Sen. Martin said. “This legislation will enable old factories in Bristol and throughout Connecticut to finally be cleaned up. Currently, almost every single commercial property has to prove by some type of test that there is no contamination. It’s just an endless, frustrating process, and it really stalls the transaction itself. Passing this bill into law will send a positive message to current and future job creators that we want them to grow here and invest here.”

Sen. Martin said the legislation can help get properties back onto tax rolls and increase grand lists. This will help to lower residential property taxes.

The bill (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2025/BA/PDF/2025SB-01404-R000488-BA.PDF) passed unanimously in the State Senate and awaits a vote in the House of Representatives.