Substitute House Bill No. 7174 establishes a working group within the legislative branch aimed at enhancing the protection of vegetated riparian buffers in Connecticut. This initiative seeks to improve the health of the state's watercourses while respecting private property rights and addressing the anticipated impacts on watercourses as outlined by the Governor's Council on Climate Change. The working group will review existing riparian buffer protections in other states, assess current resources dedicated to the Inland Wetland and Watercourses program, analyze relevant case law, and propose necessary changes to regulations and legislation regarding riparian buffer protection.

The working group will be formed within sixty days of the bill's passage, with cochairpersons selected from the joint standing committee on environmental matters. Membership will include representatives from various sectors, including state departments, environmental organizations, homebuilders, municipal inland wetland commissions, and other stakeholders. The group is required to submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations by January 15, 2026, after which it will be dissolved. The bill does not specify any deletions from current law but introduces new provisions to enhance riparian area protections.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-136
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 26-136
File No. 686: 26-136
PD Joint Favorable: 26-136