January 13, 2025

Dear Friends,

The 2025 Legislative Session started last Wednesday, January 8th at noon.

Governor Ned Lamont delivered a State of the State Address, without much substance. The Governor will issue his Biennial Budget proposal in February, which will contain his plans for Connecticut government for the next two fiscal years. 

Bills and Priority Issues for 2025

Only a few days old, and more than four hundred bills have been filed. In a long session such as this, any legislator can file a bill they’d like heard at the start of the session. The vast majority of bills can and will die on the calendar.

Legislative Resources

Bill Search link HERE

Committee deadline schedules for 2025 can be found HERE 

Of the bills released, and based on issued brought up in past years, the following issues will be the biggest priority of the 2025 session:

• Sunday hunting (Senate Bills 66, and 79)
• Black bear hunting season (Senate Bills 49 and 54)
• Anticipated bills from animal advocates:
• Anti-trapping legislation
• Rabbit meat
• Banning Rodenticides and Neonicatoids
• Banning puppy mills
• Expansion of Desmond's law
• Create a state of emergency for full animal shelters

*The deadline for a bill to be raised for the Environment Committee is February 19th. 

Environment Committee Members for 2025

It was recently announced that Representative John-Michael Parker (D-Madison) of the 101st District was appointed chair of the Environment Committee. Parker served on the committee last year as a non-ranking member, and this will be the first year he leads the committee. Representative Joe Gresko is Deputy Speaker now, although he still on the Environment Committee as a member. Rick Lopes continues to be the Senate Co-Chair, and Christine Cohen is back as a member of the Environment Committee.

Senator Stephen Harding (R-Brookfield) of the 30th District and State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-New Fairfield) of the 108th district, will continue as Ranking Members in 2025. Friends of CT Sportsmen endorsed both Harding and Callahan in the last election.

For the full list of members for the Environment Committee, click HERE 

Farmington River Flow Plan

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is seeking input on the draft plan to manage flow within the Farmington River, as required by Public Act 24-13. This act enables the DEEP to request releases from water stored behind Colebrook River Lake Dam between the elevations of 644 feet and 701 feet. In addition, the Public Act requires DEEP to seek stakeholder input on the plan, which provides target monthly flow releases to support 1. fish and wildlife, 2. recreation, 3. the river’s health, 4. flood risk reduction, 5. tourism, 6. hydropower, and 7. safety.

DEEP is accepting input on the draft plan until January 31,2025

The draft plan is available on our website - view and/or download

A virtual public informational session will be held on January 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM – register HERE

Comments may be submitted online until January 31, 2025 – submit comments

Fishin' Tips

Access the January 2025 edition of DEEP’s Fishin' Tips HERE!

 This month's edition includes:

• Information regarding the 2025 Freshwater Fishing Guide.
• Ice fishing safety precautions, proper gear, and registration for ice fishing classes.
• Updates on DEEP’s plan for the Farmington River flow plan.
• The mystery fish of the month. 
• And MORE!

Wildlife Highlights

Access the January 2025 Edition of DEEP's Wildlife Highlights HERE

This Month's Edition includes:

• 2024 Connecticut State of the Birds.
• Wildlife Action Plan Survey Results.
• The Midwinter Eagle Survey.
• And MORE!

Hunting in the News

• Killing of Black Bears found to be justified in extreme cases
• Branford School put into lockdown over duck hunter gunfire

Other Helpful Links: 

Environment Committee YouTube Channel

Environment committee meeting calendar

Environment Committee homepage

A Guide for Testifying at Public Hearings and Reaching State Legislators