Substitute House Bill No. 5218 with File No. 99 proposes amendments to the current law regarding riparian buffers and inland wetlands provisions. The bill authorizes the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to allocate funds for stormwater infrastructure towards acquiring conservation easements that maintain vegetated buffers along streams and rivers. DEEP is also required to develop mandatory setbacks for development near streams, rivers, and inland wetlands, with a proposal due by January 1, 2025. The definition of "vegetated condition" is clarified to include native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous cover, excluding lawns, golf courses, or athletic fields. The bill modifies training requirements for inland wetlands agency members and staff, mandating completion of an updated training program by June 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter, with an exemption for attorneys experienced in inland wetlands. The fiscal impact statement estimates a cost of $150,000 for DEEP to develop the mandatory setbacks and a potential revenue gain of up to $10,000 for UConn. The effective dates for the bill's provisions vary, with Section 1 effective upon passage and Sections 2 and 3 effective on October 1, 2024.

Additionally, the bill expands the training requirements for all members and staff of inland wetlands agencies, requiring them to complete the updated training program by June 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter. The updated training program, which must include statutory changes and common law developments, is to be made available online and submitted to the Environment Committee. DEEP is allowed to use a portion of stormwater infrastructure funds for conservation easements, and the bill specifies the development of mandatory setbacks for certain areas. The fiscal impact includes costs for DEEP to hire a consultant and potential revenue for UConn, with the assumption of up to $10,000 annually for DEEP and a similar revenue gain for UConn. The bill's provisions have different effective dates, with most taking effect on October 1, 2024, but the conservation easements and setback provisions are effective upon passage.