Substitute House Bill No. 6248 proposes an increase in the penalty for violations related to the illegal taking of striped bass in Connecticut. The bill establishes that any person who violates regulations concerning striped bass, whether in marine or inland waters, will be committing an infraction and will incur a fine of $250. This new fine replaces the previous fines of $154 for inland waters and $75 for marine waters. The bill clarifies that individuals may either pay the fine by mail or plead not guilty in accordance with existing legal provisions.

The bill is set to take effect upon passage and aims to enhance compliance with state regulations governing striped bass, which include rules on minimum legal lengths and daily creel limits. The increased fines are expected to generate minimal additional revenue for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), with estimates suggesting that the revenue could increase significantly based on the number of violations reported in the previous year. The bill reflects a legislative effort to strengthen environmental protections and ensure sustainable fishing practices in the state.