CT HB05218

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may use stormwater infrastructure funds to acquire conservation easements along streams and rivers requiring property owners to maintain vegetated buffers of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous cover instead of lawns, golf courses, or athletic fields

Department must develop mandatory setbacks for development near streams, rivers, and inland wetlands and submit proposed setbacks to the joint standing committee on environment by January 1, 2025

Commissioner must develop and update a comprehensive training program for inland wetlands agency members by June 1, 2025, covering statutory changes and common law developments

Requires each inland wetlands agency member and staff to complete the comprehensive training program, with existing members completing it by June 1, 2026, new members within one year of appointment, and all members renewing every five years

Commissioner must establish reporting requirements for inland wetlands agencies including permits, orders, and confirmations that agency members completed required training