House Bill No. 5525 establishes a Rapid Response Program aimed at managing certain aquatic invasive species, particularly hydrilla, in Connecticut. The bill defines "rapid response" as a systematic effort to eradicate or control localized infestations of invasive species and mandates the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Office of Aquatic Invasive Species to set criteria for identifying newly discovered species eligible for rapid response. The bill also requires this office to maintain a public list of eligible species and notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) of any additions. To facilitate timely action, DEEP is directed to expedite permitting processes for rapid response actions, especially for hydrilla containment.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing notification requirements for herbicide treatments related to rapid response efforts, allowing for a single notice to waterfront property owners instead of two. It emphasizes that rapid response actions should be timed according to scientific best practices to minimize the establishment and spread of invasive species. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and DEEP in developing a state rapid response protocol and a statewide aquatic invasive species management plan, ensuring a coordinated approach to managing these threats. Notably, the bill includes provisions for the Department of Public Health to coordinate with DEEP on permit conditions for treatments near public water supplies.