Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-929
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING PENALTIES FOR THE TAKING OF STRIPED BASS.
Vote Date: 3/31/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/19/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. Patricia A. Dillon, 92nd Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
Enforcement of striped bass regulations and violations only allows for law enforcement to
make a misdemeanor arrest. The only enforcement action requires engagement of the
courts. Often the court enforcement is dismissed without action by the courts, that
undermines current penalties to deter violations. Providing the Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP) the ability to issue infractions results in enhanced
compliance and effective deterrent.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) recently declared the Atlantic
striped bass as overfished and results in more conservative fish regulations were enacted.
Effective enforcement of striped bass regulations is a component of rebuilding stocks.
Recent public hearings between Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
and ASMFC multiple public comments were made on effective enforcement. SB929
proposed language changes current policy in favor of issuance of infractions. The issuance
of infraction provides for greater enforcement and deterrence. The time requirements for
Environmental Police to process the paperwork for the current system of misdemeanor
arrests striped bass violations versus infractions is substantial.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
William Hyatt, Vice-Chair, Connecticut Fisheries Advisory Council
Recent information shows more than 100,000 anglers make over 800,000 trips and spend
approximately $112 million to fish striped bass in Connecticut each year. The Fisheries
Advisory Council (FAC) suspects some anglers may not initially grasp how reduction of
penalties for striped bass violations leads to improved recovery of the fishery. FAC thinks
law-abiding anglers will understand the legislation once they understand how it means more
enforcement dedicated to the striped bass fishery.
Bill Lucey, Soundkeeper, Save the Sound
Connecticut issues a misdemeanor instead of a simple ticket for striped bass fishing
violations. DEEP environmental police are already understaffed for the territory covered and
the misdemeanor takes significant time to process, an infraction will allow provide them the
ability to enforce regulations to rebuild the striped bass fishery.
Patrick M. Comins, Executive Director, Connecticut Audubon Society
Striped bass are of a high conservation concern and have seen a regional population
concerns, the Connecticut Audubon Society encourages effective and enough deterrence to
enforce fishery regulations.
George Baldwin, Brandford CT
The current situation does not work. The current misdemeanor system is counterproductive
to rebuild the striped bass populations, minimizes the hard work of Connecticut's
conservation officers and not in the best interests of Connecticut's anglers.
The Environment Committee received more than 10 additional testimonials in support of
SB929.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Owen Zimmerman
SB929 does not go far enough. Changes to increase the law enforcement and increased
enforcement of existing law would increase the enforcement of striped bass regulations.
Tougher measures would reduce the impulse for criminal behavior.
Reported by: Steve Smith Date: 4/15/2021
Page 2 of 3 SB-929
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Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 26-159a
ENV Joint Favorable: 26-159a
File No. 534: 26-159a
Public Act No. 21-124: 26-159a