CT SB00020

Prohibits importing, possessing, selling, offering for sale, or transporting African elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, and giraffes (including parts, products, offspring, and dead bodies) in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2019.

Allows three exceptions: specimens possessed before the effective date if owner obtains a certificate of possession within 180 days; specimens in tax-exempt museums that are not subsequently sold or traded; and specimens inherited or distributed to trust beneficiaries if not subsequently resold and certificate obtained within 180 days of receipt.

Violations constitute a felony punishable by fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to 2 years; seized specimens and related property shall be forfeited and destroyed (except living specimens).

Exempts ivory trade, live animals possessed by zoological institutions or circuses, and animals used in motion pictures or digital media productions by companies employing federally licensed dealers or exhibitors.

Permits transportation through Connecticut of endangered or threatened species with valid permits from other states if legal possession can be proven.