CT SB00942

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

Allows exceptions for specimens lawfully owned before the effective date with a certificate of possession, specimens in tax-exempt educational museums that are not subsequently sold, and specimens inherited through trusts or estates if obtained with a certificate of possession within 180 days.

Authorizes law enforcement to search for, seize, and enforce violations of the prohibition, with penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and two years imprisonment for violators.

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

Excludes ivory from the prohibition and exempts zoological institutions and circuses from restrictions on transporting or possessing live big five African species.