Substitute House Bill No. 5223 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that makes various amendments to agriculture-related statutes and open space acquisition-related statutes. The bill expands the definition of "grooming facility" to include vehicles or trailers used as businesses for grooming dogs and removes the terms "regional animal control officer" and "assistant regional animal control officer," adjusting the numbering of subsequent definitions. It revises penalties for violations related to the ownership and maintenance of dogs, cats, and kennels, and updates procedures for selling or giving away unspayed or unneutered dogs or cats from pounds. The bill also modifies requirements for equines at public auctions, including the removal of the need for a health certificate to be cosigned by the State Veterinarian and introduces a new definition for the "Coggins test."

Furthermore, the bill outlines the duties of the State Entomologist in examining and managing apiaries, removes certain qualifications for appointees in this role, and sets fines for violations. It amends the appointment process for the Milk Regulation Board and modifies rabies vaccination requirements for pets. The bill also repeals and substitutes language in other sections of the general statutes to reflect these changes. It establishes the protected open space and watershed land acquisition grant program, setting criteria for eligible land purchases and restrictions on the use of grant funds. The bill deletes provisions for grants to certain municipalities for restoration or protection of natural features on already owned open space and inserts new provisions expanding eligibility to include environmental justice communities. It also requires a permanent conservation easement for any property purchased with grant funds to ensure its preservation for specific conservation purposes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-327, 22-413, 22-415a, 22-90
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 22-327, 22-413, 22-415a, 22-90
File No. 83: 22-327, 22-413, 22-415a, 22-90
File No. 660: 22-327, 22-413, 22-415a, 22-90, 22-339b
Public Act No. 24-69: 22-327, 22-413, 22-415a, 22-90, 22-339b