HB 5616 Summary

• Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection must develop a comprehensive training program for inland wetlands agency members and update it by June 1, 2024 to include statutory changes and common law developments, with copies submitted to the environmental committee.

• Each member and staff of inland wetlands agencies must complete the commissioner's training program not less than every other year; commissioner shall make the program available annually to one person from each town at no cost.

• Inland wetlands agencies must adopt regulations establishing reporting requirements for permits and actions, including confirmation that all agency members completed required training.

• Inland wetlands agencies may deny or condition applications for regulated activities outside wetlands or watercourses only if the activity will likely impact the physical characteristics of wetlands or watercourses, narrowing previous authority over aquatic life and habitat impacts.

• Civil penalties for inland wetland violations increase from $1,000 to $5,000 per offense; criminal penalties increase from $1,000/$2,000 fines and 6 months/1 year imprisonment to $10,000/$15,000 fines and 1 year/2 years imprisonment.