CT HB07174

Establishes a legislative working group to study how vegetated riparian buffer protections can be incorporated into Connecticut statutes and regulations to protect watercourses, respond to climate change impacts, and meet Long Island Sound health goals

Working group must review riparian buffer protections in other states, examine DEEP's Inland Wetland and Watercourses program resources, analyze relevant case law, and recommend regulatory and legislative changes

Membership includes representatives from DEEP, DOT, Office of Policy and Management, homebuilders, environmental groups, cold water anglers, municipal wetland commissions, planners, water utilities, marine trades, Farm Bureau, foresters, and realtors

Cochairpersons selected within 30 days of passage by the Environment Committee; working group convenes within 60 days and must submit findings and recommendations by January 15, 2026

Working group terminates upon report submission or January 15, 2026, whichever is later