Researcher: JKL Page 1 3/30/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6384
AN ACT CONCERNING AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES' EFFECTS
ON LAKES AND RELATED FUNDING.
SUMMARY
This bill provides for a longer six-foot draw down period of Lake
Beseck in odd-numbered years. It requires the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to enter into an agreement with
Middlefield and the Lake Beseck Association about the lake’s annual
water level draw down by November 1, 2021.
By law, in odd-numbered years, the six-foot draw down must be
achieved by November 1. The bill requires the draw down to be
maintained until January 31, instead of December 31 as under current
law.
The bill also requires DEEP to report to the Environment Committee
by October 1, 2021, on the (1) amount of revenue collected from the
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) fee and (2) number, value, and purpose
of any grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations from the
Connecticut Lakes, Rivers and Ponds Preservation account (see
BACKGROUND) . DEEP may also report on recommendations for
additional ways to fund municipalities’ and lake authorities’ AIS
control or eradication projects.
The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
commissioner to give the DEEP commissioner any information
necessary for DEEP to complete its AIS report.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021, except the DEEP reporting
requirement is effective upon passage.
BACKGROUND
Aquatic Invasive Species Fee 2021HB-06384-R000201-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JKL Page 2 3/30/21
By law, owners of registered vessels (i.e., generally, any type of
watercraft except a seaplane) must pay an annual AIS fee. The fee is $5
for in-state vessels (payable to DMV when registering a vessel) and $20
for out-of-state vessels (payable to DEEP) (CGS § 14-21bb). DMV and
DEEP must deposit all AIS fee proceeds in the Connecticut Lakes,
Rivers and Ponds Preservation account. DEEP must use the account
for various purposes, including allocating grants to state and
municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations to conduct research
and provide public education on managing state lakes, rivers, and
ponds (CGS § 14-21aa).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 33 Nay 0 (03/12/2021)