The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 5388, aims to amend the fishing and hunting rights of certain Native American tribes in Connecticut. It repeals Section 47-65a of the general statutes and introduces new provisions effective October 1, 2025. Under the new law, any Indian may hunt or trap wild birds and quadrupeds, as well as take fish or bait species on their tribe's reservation without needing a license, while still adhering to regulations set by the council and any seasonal or bag limits established by law. Additionally, the bill modifies the size requirement for tribal reservations from "two hundred fifty" acres to "ten" acres for the issuance of a private land deer permit, which allows the use of various hunting methods from November 1 to December 31 each year.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new ceremonial taking permit that allows any Indian to take an animal specimen on state lands for ceremonial purposes, with no fee required. This permit is limited to one specimen and must be for a species that is otherwise permissible to take on state lands. The overall intent of the bill is to enhance the hunting and fishing rights of Native American tribes while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.

Statutes affected:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 47-65a
File No. 714: 47-65a
APP Joint Favorable: 47-65a