Lawmakers advanced a controversial bill on Friday that could lead to homeless shelters outside churches.
Religious groups could place up to eight temporary shelter units on their land without getting zoning approval.
Sizes would be limited and towns with fewer than 25,000 people would be exempt.
But critics say it could lead to unregulated homeless encampments the one under I-95 in Bridgeport in 2022.
"We would be allowing towns to have multiple homeless shelters. No transportation, no sanitation," said State Rep. Doug Dubitsky.