CT HB05104

Prohibits the import, possession, sale, offer for sale, and transport of six African species (African elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinoceros, white rhinoceros, and giraffes) including any parts, products, or offspring, effective October 1, 2020.

Exempts specimens lawfully possessed before the effective date if owners obtain a certificate of possession within 180 days, museum educational collections, and specimens inherited or distributed to trust beneficiaries or heirs under specified conditions.

Authorizes law enforcement to search for, seize, and forfeit any species or property used in violations; secondary evidence such as photographs is admissible in criminal prosecutions.

Establishes violations as felonies punishable by fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to two years; seized living specimens are not required to be destroyed upon forfeiture.

Exempts ivory trade, zoological institutions and circuses possessing live animals, and motion picture/television productions using federally licensed animal dealers or exhibitors.