CT SB00284

Prohibits importing, possessing, selling, offering for sale, or transporting the "big five African species" (African elephant, African lion, African leopard, black rhinoceros, and white rhinoceros) in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2017.

Allows exceptions for specimens lawfully possessed before the effective date with a certificate of possession, museum collections with federal tax exemption, and specimens distributed to legal heirs or trust beneficiaries with proper documentation.

Exempts ivory imports and transportation of live big five species by zoological institutions or circuses from the prohibition.

Establishes penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and up to 2 years imprisonment for violations, with authority for law enforcement to search and seize unlawful specimens.

Provides for forfeiture and destruction of seized specimens upon conviction, except that living specimens shall not be destroyed.