Substitute Senate Bill No. 194, known as Public Act No. 24-100, addresses changes to certain farming programs managed by the Department of Agriculture. The bill modifies existing statutes concerning the release of agricultural land from its restricted use. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement for the Commissioner of Agriculture to consult with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection when considering petitions to remove agricultural restrictions. The process for removing such restrictions involves approval by the town's legislative body, a public hearing, and a referendum. If a majority vote at the referendum is in favor, the restriction can be lifted upon payment for the development rights by the landowner. Additionally, the bill establishes that the state shall receive the value of any development rights sold under this procedure.

The bill also revises the "expand and grow Connecticut agriculture account" by changing the language to refer to a singular "program" rather than multiple "programs" and eliminates references to repealed sections. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Agriculture is tasked with studying the need to establish an annual harvest season for vehicles transporting agricultural products, with recommendations due by January 1, 2025. Lastly, the bill repeals several sections of the general statutes, specifically sections 22-38b, 22-457, and 26-237e, indicating a streamlining or consolidation of agricultural statutes and programs. The act was approved on June 4, 2024, and is effective from the date of passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-38c
ENV Joint Favorable: 22-38c
File No. 72: 22-38c
Public Act No. 24-100: 22-38c