Senate Bill No. 148 proposes revisions to aquaculture-related statutes, specifically focusing on the notice requirements for areas closed to shellfishing and the elimination of an obsolete law regarding shellfish police. The bill amends section 26-192e of the general statutes by removing the requirement for the Department of Agriculture (DoAg) to publish closure notices in local newspapers. Instead, it mandates that these notices be posted on the department's website, while still requiring that they be filed with local municipal clerks and health directors, and that signs be posted in the affected areas. Additionally, the bill allows for electronic filing of these notices. In cases of health emergencies, the commissioner is now required to notify applicable municipal shellfish commissions instead of relying on newspaper publications.

Furthermore, the bill repeals section 26-206, which authorized the DoAg to appoint shellfish police to patrol privately owned oystering areas. This authority is deemed unnecessary as environmental conservation officers currently fulfill this role through a memorandum of understanding with the DoAg. The changes are expected to result in minimal savings for the department, estimated at less than $1,000 annually, as the new notice requirements reduce costs associated with newspaper publications. The bill is effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-206
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 26-206
File No. 73: 26-206