Researcher: JS Page 1 3/5/25
OLR Bill Analysis
HB 6830
AN ACT CONCERNING TRAINING FOR MEMBERS AND
EMPLOYEES OF INLAND WETLANDS AGENCIES.
SUMMARY
This bill requires all inland wetlands agency members and employees
to complete the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s
(DEEP) inland wetlands agency comprehensive training program.
Under current law, just one member or staff person from each agency
must complete the training and each agency must annually hold a
meeting at which the information is summarized for its members.
The bill requires members and employees serving an agency on
January 1, 2026, to complete their initial training within one year from
that date. Those joining after that date must complete the training within
one year after their appointment, election, or hire. All members and
employees must retrain every four years or once per term (for elected or
appointed members), whichever is less frequent.
Under the bill, DEEP must make the training program available on
its website for agency members and employees. Current law requires it
to provide the training program free to one person for each town and
distribute informational videos and written materials to the agencies.
The bill also creates an annual reporting requirement for the agencies,
beginning by March 1, 2027, to submit a statement to the municipality’s
legislative body or board of selectmen affirming that the individuals
who had to complete the training during the prior year did so. Under
both existing law and the bill, a member or employee’s failure to
complete the training does not invalidate the agency’s actions. The bill
also makes technical and conforming changes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2025 2025HB-06830-R000041-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JS Page 2 3/5/25
COMMITTEE ACTION
Planning and Development Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 18 Nay 0 (02/14/2025)