Connecticut legislation · 2026 General Assembly
Connecticut HB5525: AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.
Status: Signed into law, May 20, 2026
What the bill says
An act concerning a rapid response program for certain aquatic invasive species. assembly convened.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES. Assembly convened: Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) (a) (1) For the purposes of this section, "rapid response" means a systematic effort to eradicate, contain or control hydrilla or other aquatic invasive plant species introduced into an ecosystem while the infestation of such ecosystem remains localized and includes actions that address novel introductions into a waterbody. (2) The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Office of Aquatic Invasive Species shall set criteria for newly discovered aquatic invasive species and hydrilla populations discovered within the most recent three-year period, including satellite populations of such hydrilla populations to qualify for rapid response pursuant to this section and shall publish and maintain a page on such agency's Internet web site that lists such eligible species. Such office shall notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection when any new species is added to such list. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-339i of the general statutes, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall House Bill No. 5525 expedite any permitting associated with rapid response actions for the aquatic invasive species specified in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section, to enable the timely containment of such species and reduce the risk of further spread within and between waterbodies, provided such …
Sponsors
- Aundre Bumgardner (D, 41) · primary sponsor
- Renee LaMark Muir (D, 36)
- Nicholas Gauthier (D, 38)
- Nicholas Menapace (D, 37)
- Joshua Elliott (D, 88)
- Jane Garibay (D, 60)
- Gary Turco (D, 27)
- Savet Constantine (D, 42)
- Kenneth Gucker (D, 138)
- William Heffernan (D, 115)
- John Santanella (D, 58)
- Kaitlyn Shake (D, 120)
Latest actions
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Transmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor
- : Transmitted to the Secretary of State
- : Public Act 26-65
- : On Consent Calendar / In Concurrence
- : Senate Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A
- : Senate Adopted House Amendment Schedule A
- : File Number 737
- : Senate Calendar Number 472
- : Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate
Votes
- Senate Roll Call 323 (May 6, 2026): 36 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Roll Call 106 (April 27, 2026): 150 yea, 0 nay, passed
- ENV Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable) (March 18, 2026): 34 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Water supply, MOTOR VEHICLES - TRAFFIC SAFETY, Boat launches, Watersheds, Algae and aquatic weed control, Energy and Environmental Protection, Department of, Task forces, Drinking water
Common questions
- What is HB5525?
- HB5525 is a bill in the Connecticut Legislature (2026 General Assembly): AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.
- What does HB5525 do?
- In its own words: An act concerning a rapid response program for certain aquatic invasive species. assembly convened.
- What is the status of HB5525?
- Signed into law as of May 20, 2026. Latest action: Signed by the Governor (May 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB5525?
- Aundre Bumgardner (D, 41), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB5525?
- On the Connecticut Legislature website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05525&which_year=2026
Source: official Connecticut record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.