CT SB00834

Restructures the Forest Practices Advisory Board by specifying that the six legislative appointees must include designated professionals: a forester, a forestry professor, forest landowners, a forest products representative, and two public members.

Requires the three Governor-appointed board members to include an officer of a forest-focused environmental organization, a representative from a non-forest environmental organization, and a member of an inland wetlands agency.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to grant a 60-day extension for forest practitioners who fail to submit renewal applications by the expiration date, allowing renewal without reexamination upon timely submission with an additional fee.

Expands reciprocal certification to include forest practitioners certified by the Society of American Foresters or similar organizations, provided they demonstrate knowledge of Connecticut forestry laws.

Allows renewal of lapsed pesticide applicator certifications (lapsed less than one year) upon submission of renewal application and applicable fees plus a late fee calculated at 10% of renewal fee plus 1.25% per month.