The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5330, aims to enhance the conservation program for non-traditionally harvested wildlife in Connecticut. It mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to implement a comprehensive conservation program that includes provisions for habitat conservation, monitoring environmental and climate change impacts, and the conservation of endangered species. Notably, the bill introduces a requirement for a wildlife veterinarian to assist in overseeing the program. Additionally, it establishes a working group tasked with identifying funding and implementation strategies for the conservation program, which will include representatives from various state departments, conservation organizations, and academic institutions.

The bill also repeals the previous requirement for the Commissioner to submit an annual report on the program's progress and instead mandates the working group to submit a report with findings and recommendations by January 15, 2027. Furthermore, it allows for the establishment of a program for selling wildlife-related items, with revenues directed to support the conservation program. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-107h, 26-107i