House Bill No. 7170, also known as Public Act No. 25-170, proposes significant amendments to the laws governing the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture, particularly in the realm of aquaculture and environmental management. Key changes include the repeal of subsection (a) of section 22a-6, which is replaced with provisions that expand the commissioner's powers to construct or repair infrastructure such as service roads and flood prevention systems, while increasing the expenditure threshold for certain projects from $500,000 to $1 million, with annual adjustments based on the Producer Price Index. The bill also modifies the fee structure related to the Freedom of Information Act and permit applications, ensuring that fees cover reasonable processing costs, and allows for the leasing of facilities for hydroelectricity generation under specific certification standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions related to radioactive materials, including "fusion machine" and "by-product material," while repealing and replacing sections of the general statutes to refine the legal framework governing radioactive substances. It also addresses the management of marine and anadromous finfish and marine arthropods, granting the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection authority over fishing regulations and clarifying conditions for reissuing commercial fishing licenses in cases of temporary incapacitation. The bill allows for the transfer of commercial fishing licenses upon the license holder's death and makes terminology updates, such as replacing "Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority" with "Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority." Overall, House Bill No. 7170 aims to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory oversight in environmental management and commercial fishing activities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-192k, 26-212, 26-213, 26-232, 26-207, 26-209, 26-215, 26-192l
ENV Joint Favorable: 26-192k, 26-212, 26-213, 26-232, 26-207, 26-209, 26-215, 26-192l
File No. 630: 26-192k, 26-212, 26-213, 26-232, 26-207, 26-209, 26-215, 26-192l
Public Act No. 25-170: 26-159a, 26-142b, 23-5c, 26-192l