House Bill No. 7170 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut's aquaculture and shellfish harvesting regulations. The bill repeals Section 26-192k, which previously governed the relay of shellfish from restricted areas, and introduces new provisions that align with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance. Harvesters will now be required to notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection before relaying shellfish, and all tag identification information regarding harvest locations will be kept confidential, provided that harvesters use a unique identification code. Additionally, the bill modifies licensing requirements by changing the expiration date from July 20 to June 30 and allows the Commissioner of Agriculture to revoke licenses at any time.

Further changes include the shortening of the commercial shellfish harvest season, the requirement for shellfish ground owners to certify compliance with state tax filings, and the granting of appeal rights regarding decisions made by the Department of Agriculture. The bill also increases the weight limit for power dredges used in shellfish gathering from 30 to 60 pounds and repeals outdated requirements related to the Department of Agriculture's shellfish recovery vessel. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline regulations, enhance compliance, and improve the management of shellfish resources in the state.

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