CT HB05133

Authorizes the Connecticut Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to grant leases for submerged lands underlying lighthouses to facilitate lighthouse preservation under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, with lease terms of 30 years (renewable if sold) or coterminous with the applicable lease if leased.

Permits the Penfield Reef lighthouse specifically to be used as a columbarium for storing cremated remains, provided the lease includes a relocation plan for remains if the lease terminates and is approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Requires the lighthouse owner to pay all costs associated with cleanup, remediation, or reconstruction if the lighthouse is damaged or destroyed, and prohibits lease assignment to third parties without Commissioner approval.

Amends Connecticut's columbarium regulations to add the Penfield Reef lighthouse as an approved location for constructing vaults, crypts, columbariums, or mausoleums, subject to Department of Public Health approval and a $1,250 review fee.

Takes effect July 1, 2020, amending sections 22a-27w and 19a-310 of the Connecticut General Statutes.