The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 148, aims to revise existing aquaculture-related statutes, specifically focusing on the procedures for closing shellfishing areas due to contamination or pollution. The bill modifies section 26-192e by replacing the requirement for the Department of Agriculture to issue a written order to determine the bounds of closed shellfishing areas with a more streamlined process of "determining" these areas. Additionally, it updates the notification process for closures by allowing for electronic filing and posting of closure notices on the department's website, rather than solely relying on newspaper publications and physical signage.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, to close contaminated areas during health emergencies without the previous requirement of notifying the municipal health authority and the public through newspaper publications. The legislation also repeals section 26-206, which may have contained outdated or redundant provisions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the notification procedures related to shellfish harvesting closures, ensuring public health and safety in aquaculture practices.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-206