House Bill No. 5214 proposes amendments to the general statutes to include the care, maintenance, and operation of Batterson Park within the scope of the Passport to the Parks account. This account, funded by the Passport to the Parks Fee, will now receive all funds collected from the fee, which is subject to adjustments based on the consumer price index. The bill also mandates the creation of a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the city of Hartford, and Riverfront Recapture for the operation of Batterson Park, potentially including a grant-in-aid for Riverfront Recapture. The bill will result in an annual cost to the Passport to Parks account starting in FY 25, with a corresponding revenue gain in FY 26 and beyond.

The bill also outlines an increase in the Passport to the Parks fee by $0.50 for Fiscal Year 2026, affecting vehicle registrations, with subsequent biennial adjustments by the DEEP commissioner in conjunction with the motor vehicles commissioner to reflect changes in the CPI. The Passport to the Parks account, which supports state parks and campgrounds, will also fund Batterson Park's care, maintenance, and operation. The bill's effective date is July 1, 2024, except for the MOU requirement, which is effective upon passage. The Environment Committee has reported favorably on the bill.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 23-15h
ENV Joint Favorable: 23-15h
File No. 97: 23-15h