Bill > SB00146

This bill modifies existing laws to allow for the taking of certain wildlife that pose a threat to agricultural interests. Specifically, it expands the conditions under which the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection can issue permits to take wildlife that damages crops, livestock, or apiaries, including situations where wildlife caused crop damage in the previous growing season, as verified by the department. Before a permit can be issued, property owners or lessees must demonstrate they have used reasonable nonlethal methods to protect their property, and department investigations must confirm the necessity of taking wildlife and the failure of nonlethal efforts. The bill also clarifies that individuals can use deadly physical force to kill a bear if they reasonably believe it is injuring or killing their livestock, in addition to existing provisions for protecting humans, pets, or occupied buildings. Importantly, applications for these permits will no longer require notarization, and any wildlife taken must be disposed of as directed by the department, with an explicit exclusion for federally protected species.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Environment Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00146&which_year=2026