CT HB05394

Prohibits the purchase, sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell of ivory or rhinoceros horn removed from the wild after February 26, 1976, effective July 1, 2019.

Exempts antique items containing ivory (removed from wild before February 26, 1976) if ivory is a fixed component, not the primary value source, and the item is not raw or minimally altered.

Exempts musical instruments made before February 26, 1976, and allows noncommercial inheritance transfers and possession by educational, scientific institutions, or museums.

First offense violation is a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of at least $3,000 or twice the article's total value (whichever is greater) and up to six months imprisonment; subsequent violations carry at least $6,000 or three times the value, with up to one year imprisonment.

Seized ivory or rhinoceros horn is forfeited and must be maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for educational purposes, donated to qualified institutions, or destroyed.