Bill > SB01523

This bill modifies existing wildlife management regulations in Connecticut, specifically addressing how wildlife that damages crops or threatens livestock can be managed. The bill allows the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to issue permits for taking wildlife that damages agricultural crops, livestock, or apiaries, but only after the property owner has attempted reasonable non-lethal prevention methods like electric fencing or animal guardians. The permit can be issued to the property owner, their agent, or a lessee with the owner's written permission. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a person may use deadly force against a bear if they reasonably believe the bear is about to cause great bodily harm to a human, is injuring or killing a pet or livestock, or is entering an occupied building. The bill also removes the requirement for permit applications to be notarized, potentially simplifying the permitting process. These changes aim to provide farmers and property owners with more flexible options for protecting their property from wildlife damage while maintaining safety protocols.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Environment Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01523&which_year=2025