Connecticut 2026 Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 23 D · 12 R cosponsors

HB 5525 — AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.

Last action — SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 06, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Ned Lamont (Democratic) on May 20, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 78% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 35 sponsors

    35 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (23 D · 12 R) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

This bill establishes a rapid response program for dealing with certain aquatic invasive species in Connecticut.

The bill outlines a program to quickly respond to and manage aquatic invasive species like hydrilla in Connecticut's waterbodies. It involves the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to expedite responses and permitting processes.

What this means for you
  • Environment: This bill means increased efforts to manage and control harmful aquatic invasive species, supporting ecosystem health.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

100 added · 226 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent update to Bill HB 5525 introduces new provisions to combat aquatic invasive species, specifically hydrilla, by allowing quicker responses to infestations. This includes the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station setting criteria for identifying new invasions within the last three years, and a commitment to expedite permits for rapid response actions, particularly for hydrilla. These changes matter because they aim to contain invasive species more effectively, protecting local ecosystems from further harm and ensuring public water resources remain healthy.

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Latest
House of Representatives File No.
House Bill No.
737 General Assembly February Session, 2026Reprint of File No.
5525 Public Act No.
437) House Bill No.
26-65 AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.
5525 As Amended by House Amendment Schedule "A" Approved by the Legislative Commissioner April 28, 2026 AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.
Such office shall notify the Department of HB5525 / File No.
Such office shall notify the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection when any new species is added to such list.
737 HB5525 File No.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-339i of the general statutes, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall House Bill No.
737 Energy and Environmental Protection when any new species is added to such list.
5525 expedite any permitting associated with rapid response actions for the aquatic invasive species specified in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of thissection,to enable thetimely containment ofsuchspecies andreduce the risk of further spread within and between waterbodies, provided such priority expediting shall be given to permits for the containment of hydrilla.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 22a-339i of the general statutes, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall expedite any permitting associated with rapid response actions for the aquatic invasive species specified in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of thissection,to enable thetimely containment ofsuchspecies andreduce the risk of further spread within and between waterbodies, provided such priority expediting shall be given to permits for the containment of hydrilla.
(e) (1) The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Office of HB5525 / File No.
(e) (1) The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Office of Aquatic Invasive Species shall assist rapid response efforts related to newly discovered hydrilla and newly introduced aquatic invasive Public Act No.
737 HB5525 File No.
26-65 2 of 4 House Bill No.
737 Aquatic Invasive Species shall assist rapid response efforts related to newly discovered hydrilla and newly introduced aquatic invasive species identified in state waterbodies by mapping the extent and location of such populations and documenting the presence and locations of relevant threatened and endangered species within a scientifically determined radius, as established in consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Natural Diversity Data Base program, while determining the sensitivity of such species to proposed herbicide treatments and other containment or eradication methods.
5525 species identified in state waterbodies by mapping the extent and location of such populations and documenting the presence and locations of relevant threatened and endangered species within a scientifically determined radius, as established in consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Natural Diversity Data Base program, while determining the sensitivity of such species to proposed herbicide treatments and other containment or eradication methods.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's HB5525 / File No.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's Public Act No.
737 HB5525 File No.
26-65 3 of 4 House Bill No.
737 Office of Aquatic Invasive Species shall monitor progress and track outcomes of such rapid response protocol to a specific population and waterbody.
5525 Office of Aquatic Invasive Species shall monitor progress and track outcomes of such rapid response protocol to a specific population and waterbody.
This act shall take effect as follows and shall amend the following sections:
Governor's Action:
Section 1 October 1, 2026 New section HB5525 / File No.
Approved May 20, 2026 Public Act No.
737 4 HB5525 File No.
26-65 4 of 4
737 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.
Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.
OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:
None Municipal Impact:
None Explanation The bill requires the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) to establish criteria for aquatic invasive species to qualify for rapid response, and to complete various duties related to rapid responses including developing a state rapid response protocol for hydrilla.
This does not result in a cost as the AES has the staff and expertise necessary to complete the requirements contained within the amendment.
House "A" strikes the underlying bill and its associated fiscal impact, eliminating an annual cost of up to $100,000 to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and a potential savings to various municipalities.
The Out Years State Impact:
None Municipal Impact:
None HB5525 / File No.
737 5 HB5525 File No.
737 OLR Bill Analysis HB 5525 (as amended by House "A")* AN ACT CONCERNING A RAPID RESPONSE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.
SUMMARY This bill outlines certain rapid response actions and associated timeframes to eradicate, contain, or control hydrilla or other aquatic invasive plant species introduced into an ecosystem or waterbody, while the infestation remains localized.
It also requires the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station’s Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (OAIS), in consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), to develop a state rapid response plan for hydrilla.
Under the bill, OAIS must set rapid response qualification criteria for (1)newly discovered aquaticinvasive species and(2)hydrilla,including satellite populations, discovered within the last three years.
OAIS must list qualifying species on the agency’s website and notify DEEP when a new species is added.
The bill also requires OAIS, in consultation with DEEP, to develop a publicly accessible statewide aquatic invasive species management plan.
To do so, OAIS may consult other entities, including the state’s Invasive Plants Council, through a public comment period.
*House Amendment “A” (1) requires OAIS to set rapid response qualification criteria for aquatic invasive species and hydrilla and publish a list of qualifying species on its website;
(2) adds notification requirements for treatments under the bill;
(3) requires OAIS, rather than an interagency aquatic invasive species task force, to develop the hydrilla rapid response protocol and statewide aquatic invasive species HB5525 / File No.
737 6 HB5525 File No.
Show all 63 changed rows (23 more)
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737 management plan;
and (4) allows, rather than requires, OAIS to (a) include certainstepsin therapidresponse protocoland(b)consult other entities when developing the management plan.
It also removes requirements for DEEP to install hydrilla education signs and construct boat washing stations at boat ramps.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 1, 2026 RAPID RESPONSE ACTIONS AND TIMEFRAMES The bill requires OAIS to identify new introductions of aquatic invasive plant species, including hydrilla.
In doing so, OAIS must (1) map the extent and location of these populations and (2) document the presence and location of relevant threatened or endangered species withinascientificallydeterminedradiussetinconsultationwithDEEP’s Natural Diversity Data Base program.
OAIS must also determine how sensitive any identifiedthreatenedor endangeredspeciesisto proposed herbicide treatments and other containment or eradication methods.
The bill allows OAIS to coordinate and conduct rapid response actions for any new population in a Connecticut waterbody.
Under the bill, any rapid response actions for newly introduced aquatic invasive plant species must be timed, based on best available science, to occur before or during key reproductive periods to minimize their establishment and secondary spread.
The bill requires (1) DEEP to expedite permitting for rapid response actions for aquatic invasive species that OAIS identifies as qualifying, as well as hydrilla, and (2) the Department of Public Health to coordinate with DEEP to provide conditions for permits to treat aquatic invasive species in a public supply watershed or within 200 feet of a public water supply well.
It also exempts any rapid response herbicide treatment from existing provisions requiring two individual notices to privately owned lake or pond waterfront property owners.
Instead, the bill requires that notice be made by telephone, personal notification, or conspicuous posting on a home’s entry door at least 24 hours before the treatment.
HB5525 / File No.
737 7 HB5525 File No.
737 HYDRILLA RAPID RESPONSE PROTOCOL The bill requires OAIS, in consultation with DEEP, to also develop a state rapid response protocol for hydrilla.
The protocol must define the roles, responsibilities, and response actions for OAIS and DEEP.
The protocol must establish a coordinated framework for interagency response that identifies lead and supporting functions and outlines next steps to contain or eradicate hydrilla.
The steps may include (1) public education and outreach, (2) containment strategies, (3) treatment methods and associated timelines, and (4) any additional actions DEEP and OAIS determine are necessary.
Under the protocol, DEEP must issue expedited permits for rapid responses, and OAIS must be authorized to coordinate or conduct treatment within the same season the expedited permitting occurs.
Additionally, OAIS must monitor the protocol’s progress and track outcomes in a specific population and waterbody.
The protocol may also serve as a template for responding to future introductions of other aquatic invasive species.
COMMITTEE ACTION Environment Committee Joint Favorable Yea 34 Nay 0 (03/18/2026) HB5525 / File No.
737 8
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Action History

  1. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

  2. TRANSMITTED BY SECRETARY OF THE STATE TO GOVERNOR

  3. TRANSMITTED TO SECRETARY OF THE STATE

  4. PUBLIC ACT 26-65

  5. ON CONSENT CALENDAR /IN CONCURRENCE

  6. SEN. PASSED, HO. AMEND. SCH. A

  7. SEN. ADOPTED HO. AMEND. SCH. A

  8. FILE NO. 737

  9. SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 472

  10. FAV. RPT., TAB. FOR CAL., SEN.

  11. IMMEDIATE TRANSMITTAL TO THE SENATE

  12. HOUSE PASSED, HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

  13. HOUSE ADOPTED HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

  14. FILE NO. 437

  15. HOUSE CALENDAR NUMBER 320

  16. FAV. RPT., TABLED FOR HOUSE CALENDAR

  17. RPTD. OUT OF LCO

  18. REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/07/26

  19. FILED WITH LCO

  20. Joint Favorable

  21. PUBLIC HEARING 0313

  22. REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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35 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 152 not signed on

Sponsors (35)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (152)

152 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 152 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

public-safety environment agriculture
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors HB 5525?
HB 5525 is sponsored by John A. Kissel (Republican), Paul Cicarella (Republican), Heather S. Somers (Republican), Irene M. Haines (Republican), Julie Kushner (Democratic), Jaime S. Foster (Democratic), Hilda E. Santiago (Democratic), Laurie Sweet (Democratic), Patrick E. Callahan (Republican), Hector Arzeno (Democratic), Tom Delnicki (Republican), John-Michael Parker (Democratic), Greg S. Howard (Republican), Maria P. Horn (Democratic), Rob Sampson (Republican), Devin R. Carney (Republican), Tami Zawistowski (Republican), Martha Marx (Democratic), Jonathan Jacobson (Democratic), Stephen G. Harding (Republican), Kadeem Roberts (Democratic), Michael "MJ" Shannon (Democratic), Jason Perillo (Republican), Kaitlyn Shake (Democratic), John Santanella (Democratic), William Heffernan (Democratic), Kenneth Gucker (Democratic), Savet Constantine (Democratic), Gary A. Turco (Democratic), Jane M. Garibay (Democratic), Josh Elliott (Democratic), Nicholas Menapace (Democratic), Nick Gauthier (Democratic), Renee LaMark Muir (Democratic), and Aundre Bumgardner (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 5525?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced March 06, 2026. Enacted.
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