An Act Concerning The Black Bear Population In The State.
Summary
HB 7051 would require the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, working with the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, to develop and maintain a black bear management plan for Connecticut. The plan must address the current and desired bear population, ways to reduce human-bear conflicts, public education, nonlethal deterrence and response, possible population control measures, emergency protocols for bears posing an imminent threat, waste-management practices that reduce attractants, and coordination with municipalities, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
The bill also creates a mechanism for stronger action if the bear population is deemed a public-safety threat. If the DEEP commissioner makes that determination, the commissioner may ask the Governor to issue an executive order authorizing appropriate black bear population control measures. The plan must be submitted to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over public safety and the environment by July 1, 2026, and any later revisions must be submitted within 30 days of completion.
Impact
This bill would add a new statutory framework for black bear management in Connecticut, but it does not itself set a specific population-control policy or mandate a particular enforcement action. Instead, it directs DEEP and public safety officials to create a formal management plan and establishes a pathway for executive action if bears are found to threaten public safety. Its practical effect would be to expand state oversight, planning, and interagency coordination around wildlife management, public safety, and property protection, while potentially influencing municipal waste practices and local response protocols.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill had generally favorable support in committee, passing the Joint Favorable Substitute vote 25-3. That margin indicates broad agreement that the state should have a structured approach to black bear management, public education, and conflict reduction. The absence of transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote suggests the bill was viewed positively overall, with some members still concerned enough to oppose it.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be how far the state should go in controlling the black bear population and under what circumstances lethal or other population-control measures should be authorized. Supporters likely favor a proactive management plan, public safety protocols, and nonlethal deterrence, while opponents may be wary of authorizing population control measures or executive action without clearer standards. Another likely area of disagreement is the balance between wildlife conservation and protecting residents, property, and municipal interests in areas where bear encounters are increasing.