All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
ConnecticutHB 053332026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF STRIPED BASS FISHING IN THE STATE, A WORKING GROUP CONCERNING THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROGRAM AND PROCEDURES CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FISH PASSAGES.
Sponsored By: Environment Committee
Signed by Governor
Summary
To clarify penalties for violating regulations concerning the taking of striped bass, prohibit the use of horseshoe crabs as bait, authorize the sale of certain lobsters from out-of-state by food service establishments and prohibit certain bait fishing in the Housatonic River and harvesting of striped bass.
environment
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Connecticut updates wildlife protection and funding
Beginning October 1, 2026, Connecticut's environment commissioner must run a conservation program for wildlife not traditionally harvested. It follows the latest federally approved state wildlife plan and covers wildlife inventories, habitat restoration, biodiversity, and threatened and endangered species. Other work includes health and climate monitoring, recreation and education, private landowner help, urban wildlife, problem animals, research, and planning. Program donations and sales revenue from wildlife stamps, publications, and similar goods go into the General Fund for this program; no funding amount is specified. A legislature-led working group must recommend funding sources and ways to carry out the program. Co-chairs must be chosen within 30 days of the act's effective date, and members within 45 days. The Secretary of the Environment must report to the legislative environment committee; the working group's recommendations are due January 15, 2027. The group ends when it submits its report or on that date, whichever comes first.
New striped bass limits and fines
Beginning June 2, 2026, violations of Connecticut's striped bass taking rules carry fines in marine and inland waters. Fines are $150 for a first offense, $350 for a second, and $500 for each later offense; people can pay by mail or contest them. Derby, Shelton, Orange, Milford, or Stratford receives the fine when the violation occurs there and a municipal officer issues it. Beginning October 1, 2026, the law also requires catch-and-release fishing for striped bass each December 1 through March 31. Anglers must immediately return each fish to the water where they caught it, without avoidable injury.
Dam owners face stronger fish-passage rules
Beginning June 2, 2026, anyone can ask Connecticut to review fish passage at a hydroelectric dam outside federal energy regulation. Passage must be safe, timely, and effective for migratory fish at all life stages, meeting or exceeding Connecticut River Migratory Fish Restoration Cooperative standards. If passage falls short, the environment commissioner must order remedies, such as fishways, barrier removal, or minimum water flows. Orders must also address harmful or ineffective existing passage structures, and dam owners or controllers may face construction and operating costs. For other covered dams and barriers, at least 10 people who own property above the barrier can petition for review. The state must set a hearing date within 30 days, publish a tentative decision within 180 days, and allow at least 30 days for public comment. Hearings precede final decisions, and dam owners and operators are parties to the proceedings. When a fishway is required, enforceable orders require its construction and maintenance, with passage kept open April 1 through November 1 unless otherwise specified.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Environment Committee
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Aundre Bumgardner
Democratic • House
Ben McGorty
Republican • House
Brandon Chafee
Democratic • House
Hubert D. Delany
Democratic • House
Irene M. Haines
Republican • House
John-Michael Parker
Democratic • House
Joseph P. Gresko
Democratic • House
Kathy Kennedy
Republican • House
Mark W. Anderson
Republican • House
Patricia A. Dillon
Democratic • House
Tom Delnicki
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/18/2026
Senate Roll Call Vote 389
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/18/2026
House Roll Call Vote 56 AS AMENDED
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/18/2026
ENV Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Bill Text
Public Act No. 26-101
5/19/2026
File No. 585
4/10/2026
File No. 382
4/2/2026
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute
3/18/2026
Raised Bill
2/26/2026
Bill Analysis For File Copy 382
Bill Analysis For File Copy 585
Bill Analysis for HB-5333, as amended by House "A"
ENV Joint Fav. Rpt
ENV Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)
Fiscal Note For File Copy 382
Fiscal Note For File Copy 585
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 3854 (Minimal Revenue)
Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 3870 (Minimal Revenue)
Fiscal Note for HB-5333, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 3870)
House LCO Amendment #3854 (D)
House Roll Call Vote 56 AS AMENDED
House Schedule A LCO# 3870 (J)
Senate Roll Call Vote 389
Summary for Public Act No. 26-101
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