CT SB00840

Establishes a shellfish restoration program within the Department of Agriculture to purchase shell and cultch material for state shellfish beds, including spawn oyster stock and management supplies, with authority to contract for shell recovery vessels.

Creates a "Shellfish Fund" to receive bond proceeds and grants for the shellfish restoration program, with all unexpended balances carried forward annually.

Restructures the Connecticut Seafood Advisory Council into a Connecticut Seafood Development Council with 13 voting members representing freshwater producers, aquaculture, commercial harvesters, processors, retailers, and government agencies, with authority to seek and provide funding for seafood production activities.

Adds "underwater farmlands used for aquaculture" to the definition of "farm land" for property tax purposes and defines "maritime heritage land" as waterfront property used for commercial shellfishing, aquaculture, or lobstering by licensed operators deriving at least 50% of adjusted gross income from those activities.

Repeals Section 26-250 of the general statutes effective October 1, 2021.