General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7170 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut's aquaculture laws, particularly concerning shellfish harvesting management. The bill repeals Section 26-192k, which previously governed the relaying of shellfish from restricted areas, and introduces new provisions that align with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance. Harvesters are now required to notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection before commencing relays. Additionally, the bill ensures confidentiality for tag identification information related to shellfish harvest locations, provided that harvesters utilize a unique identification code. Changes to licensing requirements include moving the expiration date from July 20 to June 30, establishing a new fee structure, and mandating annual renewals for valid licenses to gather shellfish from natural beds.

Further amendments focus on the regulation of shellfish grounds and dredging equipment. A new requirement mandates that owners of shellfish grounds certify completion of all necessary state tax filings for the previous year. The bill also increases the weight limit for dredging equipment from thirty pounds to sixty pounds and allows local shellfish commissions to permit limited use of power dredges for cultivating and restoring natural shellfish beds, with specific restrictions on oyster harvesting. Additionally, the bill modifies the appeals process against the Commissioner of Agriculture's actions, allowing aggrieved parties to appeal to the Superior Court, and grants the commissioner the authority to issue subpoenas and administer oaths for information gathering related to property values of shellfish grounds. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the sustainability and management of shellfish resources in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-192k, 26-212, 26-213, 26-232, 26-207, 26-209, 26-215, 26-192l