HB 5330 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN WILDLIFE ACTION PLANS.

HB 5330 establishes a state conservation program for wildlife species not traditionally harvested, requiring Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to implement actions like habitat protection, climate impact monitoring, and assistance for private landowners. The bill creates a legislative working group with representatives from conservation groups, universities, local governments, water utilities, and agricultural organizations to develop a funding plan for the program, with a report due by January 15, 2027. It also authorizes the sale of wildlife-themed merchandise (e.g., stamps, posters) to generate revenue for the program, which will be allocated to the conservation efforts. The program takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Issues: ✓ Environment

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Apr 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → ENV Joint Favorable Substitute · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was converted from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' with minor formatting adjustments. The core policy content remains largely unchanged, including the establishment of a working group to fund wildlife conservation and the effective dates of October 1, 2026. The only substantive addition is a new requirement that one member of the working group must have expertise in fisheries and aquatic resources.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on Connecticut's conservation program for non-harvested wildlife species, with no changes to applicability or eligibility.

REQUIREMENT

Added a specific requirement that one member of the newly established working group must possess fisheries and aquatic expertise.

TECHNICAL

Changed the bill title from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and updated the page count references to reflect the final version.

Added a comma to a sentence regarding the scope of the conservation program without altering its meaning.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

REF. BY HOUSE TO COMMITTEE ON Appropriations

lower

Mar 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment

lower

13 primary · 0 co-sponsors