Environment

HB 5333 updates Connecticut's fishing regulations to protect marine species and clarify enforcement. It increases fines for illegally catching striped bass (up to $500 for repeat offenses), bans using horseshoe crabs or their eggs as bait, and prohibits hand-harvesting horseshoe crabs except for scientific permits. The bill also allows restaurants to sell lobsters under 6.25 inches if caught in federal areas permitting such harvest, requires catch-and-release for striped bass from December to April, and bans bait fishing in the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam during that period. These changes directly affect commercial and recreational fishermen, restaurants, and conservation efforts.

This bill directs the Commissioner of Administrative Services to transfer a 4-acre state-owned parcel in Torrington, including the Torrington Transfer Station, to the Northwest Resource Recovery Authority. The transfer will occur at no cost to the Authority, covering only administrative expenses, and requires approval from the State Properties Review Board. The Authority must use the land to operate a public waste and recycling transfer station, with the property reverting to the state if the Authority fails to use it, loses ownership, or leases it. The State Properties Review Board must complete its review within 30 days, and the Department of Administrative Services retains control of the land until the transfer is finalized.