Boaters Reminded Of New Connecticut Law On Inspections

State Senator Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) reminded constituents that several new state laws went into effect on July 1, including an updated bill regarding boat inspections.

The bill stipulates that no boater should transport a vessel or trailer in the state without first inspecting them for any vegetation and aquatic invasive species visible without optical magnification. Boaters should safely dispose of any vegetation they find.

The bill also requires that safe boating courses approved by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection should have instructions on how to identify and dispose of invasive species.

State law formerly required boaters to conduct these inspections, but the new law expands their responsibility by requiring boaters to inspect vessels and trailers before they are transported. Boaters are subject to a $100 fine per violation, and the revised law has this apply to any individual who commits a violation rather than anyone who knowingly violates the law.

"The law is meant to mitigate the proliferation of these pests in Connecticut waterways and the threat and inconvenience they present," said Stillman.

More information on invasive species is available at the DEEP website.