Neonics ban heads list of 4 important environmental bills that become law in the state in 2025
Eastern Kingbirds are often found near the edge of waterways, where they can catch insects on the wing. New laws banning neonics and protecting riverside vegetated areas are likely to benefit kingbirds and other species.
July 14, 2025—The Connecticut Audubon Society and its members focused a lot of attention in the first half of 2025 on convincing lawmakers in Hartford to pass a law banning neonicotinoid pesticides.
That was a major achievement, with ample credit due to the Connecticut Pesticide Reform coalition, to the legislators who championed it and worked for its passage, and to the Governor for signing it.
It was one of four new environmental laws that Connecticut Audubon and its members supported with testimony, phone calls, and emails to key legislators.
Public Act 25‑33 (SB 9) – Environment, Climate Resilience & Restricting Neonics & SGARs
Empowers municipalities for climate planning, mandates flood risk disclosures in real estate/insurance, enables coastal site reviews.
This bill incorporated important parts of two House bills, 6915 and 6916, to bans the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on turf grass (including lawns and golf courses) starting in 2027; and to make second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides restricted-use, requiring a licensed applicator.
Signed into law as on June 10, 2025.
Public Act 25‑125 (HB 5004) – Protection of the Environment & Development of Renewable Energy Sources
Updates the Global Warming Solutions Act with net-zero-by-2050 targets, supports clean energy workforce development, nature-based carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and green economy incentives.
Signed into law on July 1, 2025
Special Act 25‑23 (HB 6250) — An Act Concerning the Levels of Staffing for Environmental Conservation Officers
Requires the Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to regularly (at least every other year) consider recommended staffing levels for environmental conservation officers—based on their duties—and report to the relevant legislative committee. Includes certification and benefits provisions for special conservation officers and lake patrol officers.
Signed into law on July 8, 2025.
Special Act No. 25‑12 — An Act Concerning Riparian Areas (House Bill 7174)
Establishes protections for riparian buffer zones—the vegetated strips along rivers and streams—for the first time in Connecticut, to help control erosion, flooding, and pollution, and to protect fish and other wildlife. Connecticut was the only New England state without explicit legal protections for riparian buffers.
Signed into law on June 24, 2025
An Act Concerning Training for Members and Employees of Inland Wetlands Agencies (HB 6830)
Requires members and staff of inland wetlands agencies to complete an online training program, between Jan 1, 2026, and Jan 1, 2027, and every four years thereafter. Died in committee.
Constitutional Environmental Rights Amendment (Senate Joint Resolution 36)
A proposed a state constitutional amendment declaring each person’s individual right to “clean and healthy air, water, soil, ecosystems and environment” and a “safe and stable climate,” making Connecticut the trustee of these resources for present and future generations.
Passed by the Government Administration and Elections Committee but died in the chamber.
