AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO AQUACULTURE-RELATED STATUTES AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN FARMING-RELATED PROGRAMS.

Substitute Senate Bill No. 148

Public Act No. 26-75

AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO AQUACULTURE-RELATED
STATUTES AND PROVIDING FOR CERTAIN FARMING -RELATED
PROGRAMS.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2026) There is established the Dairy
Modernization Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture.
The purpose of such program shall be to assist dairy farmers in the state
with investments in equipment, infrastructure and operational
upgrades. Not later than January 1, 2027, the department shall establish
the parameters of such grant program, including, but not limited to: (1)
Eligibility criteria for such dairy farmers, (2) prioritization rules for the
use of funds available to said department for such program, (3) the
establishment of maximum award amounts under such program, (4)
eligible projects that program funds can be invested toward, (5) the
application process for any grant request, and (6) definitions for th e
terms "infrastructure" and "operational upgrades".
Sec. 2. Subsection (a) of section 12 -217vv of the 2026 supplement to
the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective from passage and applicable to income and taxable years
commencing on or after January 1, 2028):
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(a) As used in this section:
(1) "Eligible farmer" means a taxpayer in this state whose federal
gross income from farming for the income or taxable year is at least two-
thirds of excess federal gross income or not less than two hundred fifty
thousand dollars;
(2) "Excess federal gross income" means the amount of federal gross
income from all sources for the income or taxable year in excess of thirty
thousand dollars;
(3) "Agricultural production" has the same meaning as provided in
subdivision (63) of section 12-412;
(4) "Farm investment property" means machinery and equipment
that are acquired by purchase by an eligible farmer on or after January
1, 2026, and buildings and structural components of buildings that are
acquired, constructed, reconstructed or erected by an eligible farmer
and placed in service on or after January 1, 2026, and (A) are situated in
this state, (B) have a class life of more t han four years, as described in
Section 168(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any subsequent
corresponding internal revenue code of the United States, as amended
from time to time, (C) are acquired by an eligible farmer from a person
other than a related person, (D) are not acquired to be leased, and are
not leased, to another person or persons during the twelve full months
following their acquisition or placement in service, and (E) will be held
and used in this state by the eligible farmer in th e ordinary course of
agricultural production for not less than five full years following the
date of acquisition of such machinery and equipment or the date of
placement in service of such buildings;
(5) "Related person" means (A) a corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, association or trust controlled by the taxpayer,
(B) an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
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association or trust that is in control of the taxpayer, (C) a corporation,
limited liability company, partnership, association or trust controlled by
an individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership,
association or trust that is in control of the taxpayer, or (D) a member of
the same controlled group as the taxpayer; and
(6) "Control" means (A) with respect to a corporation, ownership,
directly or indirectly, of stock possessing fifty per cent or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of the stock of such
corporation entitled to vote, or (B) with respect to a t rust, ownership,
directly or indirectly, of fifty per cent or more of the beneficial interest
in the principal or income of such trust. The ownership (i) of stock in a
corporation, (ii) of a capital or profits interest in a partnership or
association, or (iii) of a beneficial interest in a trust shall be determined
in accordance with the rules for constructive ownership of stock
provided in Section 267(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any
subsequent corresponding internal revenue code of the United States,
as amended from time to time, other than paragraph (3) of said section.
Sec. 3. ( Effective from passage ) (a) There is established, within the
Department of Agriculture, a Dairy Farming Sustainability Working
Group to develop long -term support recommendations for the state's
dairy industry. Such recommendations shall include, but not be limited
to: (1) Potential use and efficacy of a reimbursable tax credit program
for dairy producers, (2) use of Community Investment Act funding for
dairy sustainability, (3) processing capacity within the state, (4) use and
efficacy of property tax exemptions for such farmers, including both
mandatory and optional local exemptions.
(b) Such working group shall consist of the following members: (1)
The Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner's designee, (2)
the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's
designee, (3) the Commissioner of Revenue Servi ces, or the
commissioner's designee, (4) the executive director of the Connecticut
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Farm Bureau, or the executive director's designee, (5) not less than three
representatives of the dairy industry, as appointed by the Commissioner
of Agriculture, (6) one representative from each of the major dairy
cooperatives in the state, as appointed b y the Commissioner of
Agriculture, (7) one independent dairy producer, as appointed by the
Commissioner of Agriculture, and (8) any additional members, as
deemed necessary by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
(c) On or before January 1, 2027, the Commissioner of Agriculture
shall submit the recommendations of such working group to the joint
standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of
matters related to the environment, appropriations and finance, revenue
and bonding.
Sec. 4. ( Effective July 1, 2026 ) Notwithstanding the provisions of the
general statutes, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management
shall reinstate the land use values for forest land established in the
October 1, 2025, recommended values and best practices report. Such
values shall remain in effect until the next valuation date.
Sec. 5. ( Effective from passage ) The Public Utilities Regulatory
Authority shall conduct a study of natural gas rates, including, but not
limited to, any applicable demand charges, for commercial and
agricultural natural gas customers who have intermittent peak monthly
demand to determi ne if a significant number of such customers are
charged rates that do not fairly reflect such customers' use due to such
demand charges. If the authority determines that such demand charges
have the effect of unfairly increa sing rates for such customers, the
authority shall provide detailed recommendations concerning how such
charges may be recalculated or otherwise applied to such customers.
Not later than January 15, 2027, the authority shall submit a report, in
accordance with the provisions of section 11 -4a of the general statutes,
that contains such recommendations to the joint standing committees of
the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy
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and technology.
Sec. 6. Section 22 -26gg of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):
The commissioner shall, in consultation with the Farmland
Preservation Advisory Board established under section 22 -26ll, adopt,
in accordance with chapter 54, such regulations as the commissioner
deems necessary to carry out the purposes of sections 22 -26aa to 22 -
26nn, inclusive. [Such regulations shall provide that individual
landowners applying for such program shall be eligible to receive not
more than twenty thousand dollars per acre for development rights, and
the schedule of the state's contribution f or joint ownership projects
initiated by municipalities shall be increased accordingly.]
Sec. 7. Subsections (b) and (c) of section 26-192e of the general statutes
are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof ( Effective
from passage):
(b) The department shall [, by written order, promulgate] determine
definite bounds of the area or areas closed to shellfishing when
classified as conditional -closed, conditionally restricted, restricted or
prohibited. Such [order] determination shall become effective when (1)
[the closure classification is published in a newspaper having circulation
in towns, cities and boroughs in which or adjacent to which any such
area is situated; (2)] the classification is filed in writing or electronically
in the offices of the clerk and the director of health in each such town,
city or borough, [and (3)] (2) signs are posted at points on or near every
such classified area , and (3) notice of the closure is posted on the
department's Internet web site.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section,
when the Commissioner of Agriculture, after consultation with the
Commissioner of Public Health, finds that tidal flats, shores or coastal
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waters which may contain shellfish are so contaminated or polluted that
a health emergency exists, [he] the commissioner may close such area
for the duration of such emergency by giving notice of such emergency
closure [(1)] in writing to the municipal or district health authority [, and
(2) to the general public by publication in a newspaper having general
circulation in the town, city or borough within which such area lies] and
any applicable municipal shellfish commission . Such notice shall state
when the closing shall take effect.
Sec. 8. Section 22 -6g of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
For the purposes of sections 22-6g to 22-6p, inclusive, as amended by
this act:
(1) "Application" means a request made by an individual to the
department for [vendor] farmer certification in CFM/WIC on a form
provided by the department;
(2) ["Authorized farmers' market" ] "Authorized benefit location "
means a farmers' market , farm stand or mobile market that operates
within the service area and is a site authorized by the department for
the exchange of [vouchers] benefits and Connecticut -grown fresh
produce and honey;
(3) ["Certified vendor"] "Certified farmer" means an individual who
has met all CFM/WIC conditions as outlined by the department and
who is guaranteed payment on all [vouchers] benefits accepted,
provided compliance is maintained by that individual regarding all
CFM/WIC rules and procedures as outlined in the [vendor] farmer
certification handbook;
[(4) "Certified vendor identification stamp" means a department -
issued stamp that shall be utilized by the certified vendor during each
occurrence of voucher deposit in the financial institution of certified
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vendor choice. This stamp shall remain the sole property of the
department and shall be forfeited by the certified vendor to the
department in the event of suspension;]
[(5) "Certified vendor identification sign" ] (4) "Certified farmer
identification sign" means a department -issued sign which shall be
clearly displayed by the certified [vendor] farmer at all times when
accepting or intending to accept [vouchers] benefits in an authorized
[farmers' market] benefit location. Signs shall remain the sole property
of the department and shall be forfeited by the certified [vendor] farmer
to the department in the event of suspension;
[(6) "Certified vendor number" means a personal identification
number issued by the department and assigned to an individual whom
the department has identified as a certified vendor;]
[(7)] (5) "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture;
[(8)] (6) "Department" means the Department of Agriculture;
[(9)] (7) "Designated distribution WIC clinic" means a site authorized
by the department for dispersal of [vouchers] benefits by the local WIC
agency;
[(10)] (8) "Distribution" means the process outlined by the
department and the means by which local WIC agencies actually
[dispense vouchers] distribute benefits to eligible participants;
[(11)] (9) "Farm products" means any fresh fruits, vegetables,
mushrooms, nuts, shell eggs, honey or other bee products, maple syrup
or maple sugar, flowers, nursery stock and other horticultural
commodities, livestock food products, including meat, milk, cheese and
other dairy products, food products of "aquaculture", as defined in
subsection (q) of section 1-1, including fish, oysters, clams, mussels and
other molluscan shellfish taken from the waters of the state or tidal
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wetlands, products from any tree, vine or plant and their flowers, or any
of the products listed in this subdivision that have been processed by
the participating farmer, including, but not limited to, baked goods
made with farm products;
[(12)] (10) "Farmers' market" means a cooperative or nonprofit
enterprise or association that consistently occupies a given site
throughout the season, which operates principally as a common
marketplace for a group of farmers, at least two of whom are selling
Connecticut-grown fresh produce, to sell Connecticut -grown farm
products directly to consumers, and where the products sold are
produced by the participating farmers with the sole intent and purpose
of generating a portion of household income;
[(13)] (11) "Fresh produce" means fruits and vegetables that have not
been processed in any manner and chicken eggs;
[(14)] (12) "CFM/WIC" means the Connecticut farmers' market
[supplemental food] nutrition program for women, infants and children
participants as administered by the department;
[(15)] (13) "Local WIC agency" means an entity that [administers local
health programs and which has entered into contract for voucher
distribution and related service with the department] contracts with the
Department of Public Health for the administration of the WIC program
and distributes benefits to eligible WIC participants;
[(16)] (14) "Connecticut-grown" means produce and other farm
products, [that have a traceable point of origin within Connecticut ] as
defined in section 22-38;
[(17)] (15) "Posted hours and days" means the operational time frames
stated in assurances submitted by a duly authorized representative of
an authorized [farmers' market ] benefit location which includes a
beginning and an ending date for each year of operation;
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[(18)] (16) "Participant" means a client of WIC who is at least one year
of age, who possesses one of the WIC classification codes selected for
inclusion by the Department of Public Health and who is an active
participant in a designated distribution clinic;
[(19)] (17) "Season" means a clearly delineated period of time during
a given year that has a beginning date and ending date, as specified by
the department, which correlates with a major portion of the harvest
period for Connecticut-grown fresh produce;
[(20)] (18) "Service area" means the geographic areas that encompass
all of the designated distribution clinics and authorized [farmers'
markets] benefit locations within Connecticut for a given season;
[(21)] (19) "USDA-FNS" means the United States Department of
Agriculture-Food and Nutrition Service;
[(22) "Vendor certification handbook" ] (20) " Farmer certification
handbook" means a publication by the department that is based on
USDA-FNS mandates and guidelines, addresses CFM/WIC rules and
procedures applicable to a certified [vendor,] farmer and provides the
basis for [vendor] farmer training. A copy of the publication shall be
issued to each individual prior to application. New editions supersede
all previous editions;
[(23) "Voucher"] (21) "Benefit " means a [negotiable instrument ]
monetary amount issued by the department to participants that is
redeemable only for Connecticut -grown fresh unprocessed produce
from certified [vendors] farmers at authorized [farmers' markets ]
benefit locations , with a limited negotiable period that directly
correlates to the season designated by the department; and
[(24)] (22) "WIC" means the special supplemental food program for
women, infants and children, as administered by the Department of
Public Health.
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Sec. 9. Section 22 -6h of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) There is established the Connecticut Farmers' [Market/Women,]
Market Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children [Nutrition
Program] which [shall] may be jointly funded by the state of
Connecticut and the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States
Department of Agriculture. The program shall supply Connecticut -
grown fresh produce to participants of the [special supplemental food]
CFM/WIC program through the distribution of [vouchers] benefits that
are redeemable only at [designated Connecticu t farmers' markets ]
authorized benefit locations in Connecticut. The program is designed to
provide both a supplemental source of fresh produce for the dietary
needs of women, infants and children who are [judged] determined to
be at nutritional risk and to stimulate an increased demand for
Connecticut-grown fresh produce at authorized Connecticut [farmers'
markets] benefit locations.
(b) The program shall be administered by the Commissioner of
Agriculture who shall maintain all conditions as outlined in the farmers'
market nutrition program agreement entered into with USDA -FNS, as
amended.
Sec. 10. Section 22 -6i of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) The Department of Public Health WIC client screening processes
and records shall provide the basis for identifying participants eligible
for receipt of [vouchers] benefits.
(b) Local WIC agencies shall distribute [vouchers] benefits at
designated distribution clinics to participants in the manner specified
by the department in the program and procedures guide for distribution
clinic staff. Local WIC agency services shall ensure that:
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[(1) Vouchers are distributed only to participants through verification
that the client name and number on the distribution registry provided
by the Department of Public Health correspond with the client name
and number printed on the WIC identification folder in the possession
of the participant.]
[(2)] (1) Each eligible participant is issued [five three-dollar vouchers
during each distribution as authorized by the department ] a benefit
amount, determined annually, based on the federal and state allocation
for the given program year.
[(3) The voucher serial numbers issued to the participant correspond
to the number in the distribution registry in which the participant
signature is affixed.
(4) Each voucher issued and the distribution registry are properly
signed by the participant in the presence of local agency staff at the time
of distribution or, if a proxy is utilized, a written, electronic or verbal
communication is made by the participant or such proxy which
acknowledges receipt from the local agency staff at the time of
distribution.]
[(5)] (2) Any adult may act as a proxy provided the participant
designates such adult as [his or her] such adult's proxy in writing.
[(6)] (3) Each participant is provided a thorough explanation of
program guidelines and participant responsibility as outlined by the
department.
[(7)] (4) All CFM/WIC support materials are put into use as outlined
by the department.
[(8)] (5) Accurate and complete records of all related CFM/WIC
activities in the possession of a WIC local agency are maintained and
retained for a minimum of [four] three years. In the event of litigation,
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negotiation, or audit findings, the records shall be retained until all
issues arising from such actions have been resolved or until the end of
the regular [four-year] three-year period, whichever is later.
[(9)] (6) All agency records pertaining to this program shall be made
available for inspection to representatives of USDA -FNS, the
Comptroller General of the United States, the state Auditors of Public
Accounts, the department, and the Department of Public Health as
necessary, at any time during normal business hours, and as frequently
as is deemed necessary for inspection and audit. Confidentiality of
personal information shall be maintained as to all program participants
at all times.
Sec. 11. Section 22 -6j of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
Participants shall be responsible for:
(1) [Qualifying under WIC program guidelines and attending ]
Attending a designated distribution clinic during the relevant
distribution cycles when [vouchers are dispersed ] benefits are
disbursed;
[(2) Properly countersigning a voucher prior to use;]
[(3)] (2) Using [vouchers] benefits only to purchase Connecticut -
grown fresh produce from certified [vendors] farmers who display
[CFM/WIC signs at authorized farmers' markets ] a certified farmer
identification poster at authorized benefit locations;
[(4)] (3) Redeeming [vouchers] benefits on or before the expiration
date [printed on the face ] of the [voucher] benefit or surrendering all
claim to the value of [vouchers] benefits that remain unredeemed;
[(5)] (4) Ensuring [vouchers] benefits that are received are not
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assigned to any other party other than as provided by the [department]
program;
[(6)] (5) Reporting violations or problems to the department or the
local agency; and
[(7)] (6) Reporting all incidents of lost or stolen [vouchers] benefits to
the local agency.
Sec. 12. Section 22 -6k of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) Each authorized [farmers' market] benefit location shall maintain
records of operation which shall be provided to the department and
which shall include posted hours and days and shall be signed by a duly
authorized representative of the [farmers' market ] benefit location .
[Farmers' market ] Benefit location assurances shall be submitted in a
manner outlined by the department and shall provide evidence of:
(1) Whether a [farmers' market ] benefit location possesses the
capability to serve the additional demands brought about by
distribution of [vouchers] benefits in the area without causing undue
harm to the existing farmers' market , farm stands or mobile market
consumer base; and
(2) A willingness by persons associated with the [farmers' market ]
authorized benefit location to meet all [CFM/WIC] program
requirements. Information submitted by a [farmers' market ] benefit
location shall include, but not be limited to:
(A) The number of Connecticut-grown fresh produce [vendor] farmer
participants;
(B) Hours of operation to be maintained per week;
(C) Season of operation; and
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(D) Accessibility and consistency of [farmers' market ] benefit
location.
(b) The department shall give priority to a [farmers' market] benefit
location with previous involvement in CFM/WIC provided the
[farmers' market ] benefit location has maintained the conditions
outlined in its [farmers' market] assurances and does not have a high
incidence of certified [vendor] farmer noncompliance or suspensions.
[(c) In determining a farmers' market's authorization, the
commissioner shall consider the number of eligible applications
received by the department prior to the first of May which indicate the
intent to participate in the proposed farmers' market. The standar d for
the authorization of a single or principal farmers' market in a county
shall be one eligible application for every one hundred participants who
participate in the distribution clinic in said county. A minimum of two
or more eligible applications shall be required for a farmers' market to
receive authorization.
(d) The number of farmers' markets authorized for the season shall
be determined by the department no later than the thirty -first day of
May prior to each season.]
Sec. 13. Section 22 -6l of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) [Vendor] Farmer certification shall not be in effect and [vouchers]
benefits shall not be accepted until receipt by the applicant of a certified
[vendor] farmer identification [stamp, a certified vendor identification
sign] poster and the applicant copy of the [department-vendor]
department-farmer agreement.
(b) Each [vendor] farmer certification shall be valid for three years.
The department shall not limit the number of [vendors] farmers who
may become certified under CFM/WIC. A [vendor] farmer who
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satisfies all the following criteria shall be certified to accept [vouchers]
benefits:
(1) Agrees to maintain only Connecticut -grown fresh produce on
display in a certified [vendor] farmer stall;
(2) Indicates an intent to participate in one or more authorized
[farmers' markets] benefit locations;
(3) [Demonstrates participation ] Participates in training on
CFM/WIC rules and procedures through attendance in an entire
session of one of the scheduled training meetings conducted by
department staff [;] and completes an annual online learning module
and receives a passing score on a knowledge test; and
[(4) Submits a signed statement of receipts of a vendor certification
handbook;]
[(5)] (4) Submits a timely completed application and crop plan to the
department [prior to the deadline established by the department; and ]
utilizing the application form and processes established by the
department.
[(6) Submits completed and signed certified vendor agreements to the
department.]
Sec. 14. Section 22 -6m of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) A certified [vendor] farmer may accept [vouchers] benefits only
for a transaction that takes place at [a certified farmers' market ] an
authorized benefit location and only in exchange for Connecticut-grown
fresh produce and may accept [vouchers] benefits as payment for
Connecticut-grown fresh produce only if presented [on or before the
usage expiration date printed on the face of the voucher ] by an eligible
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participant.
(b) A certified [vendor] farmer shall (1) prominently display a
certified [vendor identification sign ] farmer identification poster as
outlined in the certified [vendor] farmer handbook, (2) provide
Connecticut-grown fresh produce and honey to participants upon
receipt of [a valid and properly completed voucher, which is signed by
the WIC client] benefits, (3) handle transactions with [WIC] participants
in the same manner as transactions with all other customers, (4) not
collect state or local taxes on purchases involving [vouchers] benefits,
(5) charge participants a price for Connecticut-grown fresh produce that
is equal to or less than the current price charged to nonparticipant
customers, (6) not levy a surcharge based on the use of [vouchers]
benefits by participants, (7) return no cash or issue credit in any form to
participants during sales transactions that involve [vouchers] benefits
only and in the event of a single transaction in which a participant
presents a combination of cash and [vouchers] benefits for the purchase
of Connecticut-grown fresh produce and honey, cash or credit up to the
value of the cash portion of the payment shall be given to the
participant, (8) participate in training as the department deems
necessary to carry out the intent of CFM/WIC, (9) cooperate with the
department in the evaluation of each season by completely and
accurately responding to a survey, with resubmission to the department
in a specified and timely manner, (10) immediately inform the
department in the event of loss, destruction [,] or theft of [either the
certified vendor endorsement stamp or ] a certified [vendor] farmer
identification [sign] poster so that a replacement may be issued, and (11)
comply with all procedures and rules as herein outlined and as
delineated in the [department-vendor] department-farmer agreement,
the certified [vendor] farmer handbook and official written notices of
clarification issued by the department to the [vendor] farmer.
Sec. 15. Section 22 -6n of the general statutes is repealed and the
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following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) [The commissioner shall return a voucher to a certified vendor
unpaid if the certified vendor identification number is not properly
affixed to the back of the voucher, the certified vendor does not endorse
the voucher or the participant's signature is missi ng on the face of the
voucher. A voucher] A transaction may be resubmitted for payment in
the event that the [signature or vendor certification identification] error
can be properly and legally corrected by the certified [vendor] farmer.
Violations of CFM/WIC procedures and rules applicable to a certified
[vendor] farmer shall be identified as Class I violations, Class II
violations and Class III violations. Violations involving the use of
multiple [vouchers] benefits in a single sales transaction shall be
considered as a single violation. Violations involving multiple sales
transactions, regardless of time elapsed, shall be considered multiple
violations at a standard of one violation per sales transaction.
(b) For Class I violations, the commissioner shall issue a warning
letter to the violating certified [vendor] farmer. Failure to appropriately
display the certified [vendor] farmer identification [sign] poster and
prices as specified in the signage requirements shall constitute a Class I
violation.
(c) For Class II violations, the commissioner shall issue an official
written citation of noncompliance to the violating certified [vendor]
farmer. The following shall constitute Class II violations:
(1) Noncompliance with rules and procedures as outlined in the
[vendor] farmer certification handbook and in the [department-vendor]
department-farmer agreement which is not specifically identified as a
Class I violation;
(2) Participant is charged a price that is greater than that charged
nonparticipant or is charged for items not received;
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(3) Refusal to accept valid [vouchers] benefits for Connecticut-grown
fresh produce and honey;
(4) Failure to permit or comply with procedures regarding inspection
of evidence by the department when point of origin of fresh produce
and honey on display or offered for sale in a certified [vendor] farmer
staff is in question;
(5) Abusive or discriminatory treatment of participants or CFM/WIC
staff;
(6) Displaying or offering for sale non -Connecticut-grown fresh
produce and honey in a certified [vendor] farmer stall;
(7) An authorized [farmers' market] benefit location is neither open
nor staffed during posted hours and days during the season in which
the certified [vendor] farmer is a designated participant; or
(8) The second like instance of a Class I violation by a single certified
[vendor] farmer.
(d) For Class III violations, the commissioner shall suspend the
violating [vendor] farmer from participation in CFM/WIC. The
following shall constitute Class III violations:
(1) A third Class I violation by a single [vendor] farmer;
(2) The second of two Class II violations of the same type by a single
[vendor;] farmer; or
(3) Exchanging ineligible products or cash for [vouchers; or] benefits.
[(4) Cashing vouchers for a noncertified market.]
(e) The commissioner shall issue a written official notice of
noncompliance to the certified [vendor] farmer within seventy -two
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hours of receipt of evidence involving an act of noncompliance.
Suspension of a certified [vendor] farmer from participation in
CFM/WIC shall remain in effect for the remainder of the season. An
exception shall occur when suspension occurs within thirty days of the
expiration date for [voucher] benefit usage by participants. In such case,
suspension shall also include the entire season of the following calendar
year. In the event of a suspension, the [vendor] farmer shall reimburse
the commissioner for the value of any [vouchers] benefits deposited and
paid upon after the official date of suspension notification. At the
conclusion of a suspension period, the [vendor] farmer may reapply for
certification in order to resume participation in CFM/WIC.
(f) Any [vendor] farmer successfully recertified following a
suspension shall be on probationary status for one full season.
Recurrence of a Class II violation during the probationary period and
for which the certified [vendor] farmer has been cited shall be sufficient
grounds for immediate and automatic suspension.
Sec. 16. Section 22 -6o of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
A written notice of noncompliance or suspension from the
department shall be pending for seventy -two hours of receipt by the
certified [vendor] farmer. The certified [vendor] farmer shall be granted
the pending period for presenting sufficient evidence to the department
to substantiate a reversal. Remedies undertaken in response to receipt
of written notice of a pending citation of noncompliance or suspension
shall not constitute evi dence in defense of such citation. Failure to
present any evidence to the d epartment within the specified pending
period shall constitute acceptance of the citation of noncompliance or
suspension by the certified [vendor] farmer. Submission of insufficient
evidence by the certified [vendor] farmer for determination of reversal
on the pending citation by the department shall result in an official
citation of noncompliance or suspension upon completion of the
Substitute Senate Bill No. 148

Public Act No. 26-75 20 of 26

pending period.
Sec. 17. Section 22 -6p of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) Assurances, on forms provided by the department, [must] shall be
submitted no later than the first day of March in order for the [farmers'
market] authorized benefit location to receive consideration of
authorization for the upcoming season.
[(b) All applications shall be submitted no later than one month
preceding the last date in which vouchers may be used by participants
at authorized farmers' markets.]
[(c)Vouchers] (b) Benefits shall be valid from the time of issue
through the season ending date as designated by the department. [Such
date shall be clearly printed on the voucher face. Voucher] Benefit usage
shall be null and void after [expiration date] the end of the season.
[(d) All vouchers accepted by a certified vendor shall be deposited on
or before thirty days following the date of expiration for voucher usage
by participants. Such date shall be clearly printed on the front of
vouchers. Any claim to voucher payment beyond the voucher
reimbursement expiration date is not valid and shall be denied.]
[(e)] (c) Deadlines for submission of records, reports, survey
instruments and undistributed [vouchers] benefits by local agencies
shall be established by the department and specified in the agreement
entered into with the local agency.
[(f)] (d) The department shall develop and submit a completed
operations report in January in a manner prescribed by USDA -FNS
which summarizes the [CFM/WIC] program operations for the
previous year.
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Public Act No. 26-75 21 of 26

Sec. 18. Section 22 -6q of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) There is established the Connecticut Farmers' Market/Senior
Nutrition Program which shall be provided for from funds available to
the commissioner and from other sources as such funds may become
available. The program shall supply Connecticut -grown fresh produce
and honey to senior participants through the distribution of [vouchers]
benefits that are redeemable only at designated Connecticut [farmers'
markets] benefit locations . For purposes of this section, a "senior
participant" is defined as a person who is sixty years of age or older and
is currently residing in elderly housing, or is a participant of a registered
congregate meal site, or has been identified by a municipal elderly agent
as being at nutritional risk. The program is designed to provide both a
supplemental source of fresh produce and honey for the dietary needs
of seniors who are [judged] determined to be at nutritional risk and to
stimulate an increased demand for Connecticut -grown produce and
honey at Connecticut [farmers' markets] benefit locations. For purposes
of this section, "fresh produce" means fruits and vegetables that have
not been processed in any manner and chicken eggs.
(b) The program shall be administered by the Commissioner of
Agriculture who shall maintain all conditions for its operations.
Sec. 19. Section 22 -26k of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
[(a)] There is established a farm transition grant program which shall
be administered by the Department of Agriculture. Matching grants
shall be made to farmers and agricultural cooperatives for
diversification of existing farm operations, transitioning to value added
agricultural production and sales, and developing farmers' markets and
other venues in which a majority of products sold are grown in the state.
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Public Act No. 26-75 22 of 26

[(b) The Commissioner of Agriculture shall adopt regulations, in
accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, for the administration of
the program established by this section. Such regulations shall require
the development of business plans by applicants as p art of the
application process.]
Sec. 20. Section 22 -34 of the general statutes is repealed and the
following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
No person shall use any words, titles or names designated by the
Commissioner of Agriculture, under the provisions of sections 22-27, 22-
28 and 22-29 [,] and subsection (b) of section 22 -31, [and section 22-33,]
for use in grading or marketing of farm products, unless the products
which he is identifying, advertising, designating or describing thereby
fully meet the requirements of the official grade indicated by such
words, titles or names. If, in the opinion of the Commissioner of
Agriculture or his repre sentative, any lot or lots of such products so
identified, advertised, designated or described are not of the grade
indicated, said commissioner shall cause inspections thereof to be made
by regularly appointed inspectors for the purpose of determining the
actual grade of such products. Any person, firm or corporation which
violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than fifty
dollars for the first offense and not more than two hundred dollars for
each subsequent offense.
Sec. 21. Subsection (b) of section 51 -164n of the 2026 supplement to
the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu
thereof (Effective from passage):
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, any person
who is alleged to have committed (1) a violation under the provisions of
section 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 2-71h, 4b-13, 7-13, 7-14, 7-35 or 7-41, subsection (c)
of section 7-66, section 7-83, 7-147h, 7-148, 7-283, 7-325, 7-393, 8-12, 8-25,
8-27, 9-63, 9-322, 9-350, 10-185, 10-193, 10-197, 10-198, 10-230, 10-251, 10-
Substitute Senate Bill No. 148

Public Act No. 26-75 23 of 26

254, 10a -35, 12 -52, 12 -54, 12 -129b or 12 -170aa, subdivision (3) of
subsection (e) of section 12 -286, section 12 -286a, 12-292, 12-314b or 12 -
326g, subdivision (4) of section 12 -408, subdivision (3), (5) or (6) of
section 12 -411, section 12 -435c, 12 -476a, 12 -476b, 12 -476c, 12 -487, 13a -
26b, 13a-71, 13a-107, 13a-113, 13a-114, 13a-115, 13a-117b, 13a-123, 13a-
124, 13a-139, 13a-140, 13a-143b, 13a-253, 13a-263 or 13b-39f, subsection
(f) of section 13b-42, section 13b-90 or 13b-100, subsection (a) of section
13b-108, section 13b-221 or 13b-292, subsection (a) or (b) of section 13b-
324, section 13b -336, 13b-337, 13b-338, 13b-410a, 13b-410b or 13b -410c,
subsection (a), (b) or (c) of section 13b -412, section 13b -414 or 14 -4,
subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 14-12, subsection (d) of
section 14-12, subsection (f) of section 14 -12a, subsection (a) of section
14-15a, section 14-16c, 14-20a or 14-27a, subsection (f) of section 14-34a,
subsection (d) of section 14-35, section 14-43, 14-44j, 14-49, 14-50a, 14-58
or 14-62a, subsection (b) of section 14 -66, section 14 -66a or 14 -67a,
subsection (g) of section 14 -80, subsection (f) or (i) of section 14 -80h,
section 14 -97a or 14 -98, subsection (a), (b) or (d) of section 14 -100a,
section 14-100b, 14 -103a, 14 -106a, 14 -106c, 14-145a, 14-146, 14 -152, 14 -
153, 14-161 or 14-163b, subsection (f) of section 14 -164i, section 14-213b
or 14-219, subdivision (1) of section 14-223a, subsection (d) of section 14-
224, section 14-240 or 14-250, subdivision (2) of subsection (e) of section
14-251, section 14-253a, 14-261a, 14-262, 14-264, 14-266, 14-267a, 14-269,
14-270, 14-272b, 14-274, 14-275 or 14 -275a, subsection (c) of section 14 -
275c, section 14 -276, subsection (a) or (b) of section 14 -277, section 14 -
278, 14-279 or 14-280, subsection (b), (e) or (h) of section 14 -283, section
14-283d, 14-283e, 14-283f, 14-283g, 14-289l, 14-291, 14-293b, 14-296aa, 14-
298a, 14-300, 14-300d, 14-300f, 14-319, 14-320, 14-321, 14-325a, 14-326, 14-
330 or 14-332a, subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of section 14 -386a, section 15-
15e, 15 -25 or 15 -33, subdivision (1) of section 15 -97, subsection (a) of
section 15 -115, section 16 -15, 16 -16, 16 -44, 16 -256e, 16 -278 or 16a -15,
subsection (a) of section 16a -21, section 16a -22, subsection (a) or (b) of
section 16a -22h, sectio n 16a -106, 17a -24, 17a -145, 17a -149 or 17a -152,
subsection (b) of section 17a -227, section 17a -465, subsection (c) of
Substitute Senate Bill No. 148

Public Act No. 26-75 24 of 26

section 17a-488, section 17b-124, 17b-131, 17b-137, 19a-33, 19a-39 or 19a-
87, subsection (b) of section 19a-87a, section 19a-91, 19a-102a, 19a-102b,
19a-105, 19a-107, 19a-113, 19a-215, 19a-216a, 19a-219, 19a-222, 19a-224,
19a-286, 19a -287, 19a -297, 19a -301, 19a -309, 19a -335, 19a -336, 19a -338,
19a-339, 19a -340, 19a -425, 19a -442, 19a -502, 19a -565, 20 -7a, 20 -14, 20 -
153a, 20-158, 20-231, 20-233, 20-249, 20-257, 20-265, 20-324e, 20-329c or
20-329g, subsection (b) of section 20-334, section 20-341l, 20-366, 20-482,
20-597, 20-608, 20-610, 20-623, 21-1, 21-38, 21-39, 21-43, 21-47, 21-48 or
21-63, subsection (d) of section 21 -71, section 21 -76a or 21 -100,
subsection (c) of section 21a-2, subdivision (1) of section 21a-19, section
21a-20 or 21a -21, subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 21a -25,
section 21a-26, subsection (a) of section 21a -37, section 21a -46, 21a-61,
21a-63, 21a-70b or 21a-77, subsection (b) or (c) of section 21a-79, section
21a-85 or 21a -154, subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 21a -159,
section 21a-278b, subsection (c), (d) or (e) of section 21a -279a, section
21a-415a, 21a-421eee, 21a-421fff or 21a-421hhh, subsection (a) of section
21a-430, section 22-12b, 22-13, 22-14, 22-15, 22-16, 22-26g, 22-30, 22-34, as
amended by this act, 22-35, 22-36, 22-38, 22-39, 22-39f, 22-49, [22-54,] 22-
61j or 22 -61l, subdivision (1) of subsection (n) of section 22 -61l,
subsection (f) of section 22 -61m, subdivision (1) of subsection (f) of
section 22-61m, section 22-84, 22-89, 22-90, 22-96, 22-98, 22-99, 22-100 or
22-111o, subsection (d) of section 22 -118l, section 22-167, subsection (c)
of section 22 -277, section 22 -278, 22-279, 22-280a, 22-318a, 22-320h, 22-
324a or 22-326, subsection (b), subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (e) or
subsection (g) of section 22-344, subsection (a) or (b) of section 22 -344b,
subsection (d) of section 22 -344d, section 22 -344f, 22 -350a, 22 -354, 22 -
359, 22-366, 22-391, 22-413, 22-414, 22-415, 22-415c, 22a-66a or 22a -246,
subsection (a) of section 22a -250, section 22a -256g, subsec tion (e) of
section 22a-256h, section 22a-363 or 22a-381d, subsections (c) and (d) of
section 22a-381e, section 22a -449, 22a-450, 22a-461, 23-4b, 23-38, 23-45,
23-46 or 23 -61b, subsection (a) or subdivision (1) of subsection (c) of
section 23 -65, section 2 5-37 or 25 -40, subsection (a) of section 25 -43,
section 25-43d, 25-135, 26-18, 26-19, 26-21, 26-31, 26-40, 26-40a, 26-42, 26-
Substitute Senate Bill No. 148

Public Act No. 26-75 25 of 26

43, 26-49, 26-54, 26-55, 26-56, 26-58 or 26-59, subdivision (1) of subsection
(d) of section 26 -61, section 26 -64, subdivision (1) of section 26 -76,
section 26-79, 26-87, 26-89, 26-91, 26-94, 26-97, 26-98, 26-104, 26-105, 26-
107, 26-114a, 26-117, subsection (b) of section 26-127, 26-128, 26-128a, 26-
131, 26-132, 26-138, 26-139 or 26 -141, subdivision (1) of section 26 -186,
section 26-207, 26-215, 26-217 or 26 -224a, subdivision (1) of section 26 -
226, section 26 -227, 26-230, 26-231, 26-232, 26-244, 26-257a, 26-260, 26-
276, 26-280, 26-284, 26-285, 26-286, 26-287, 26-288, 26-290, 26-291a, 26-
292, 26-294, 27-107, 28-13, 29-6a, 29-16, 29-17, 29-25, 29-143o, 29-143z or
29-156a, subsection (b), (d), (e), (g) or (h) of section 29 -161q, section 29-
161y or 29-161z, subdivision (1) of section 29-198, section 29-210, 29-243
or 29 -277, subsection (c) of section 29 -291c, section 29 -316 or 29 -318,
subsection (b) of section 29-335a, section 29-381, 30-19f, 30-48a or 30-86a,
subsection (b) of section 30 -89, subsection (c) or (d ) of section 30 -117,
section 31-3, 31-10, 31-11, 31-12, 31-13, 31-14, 31-15, 31-16, 31-18, 31-23,
31-24, 31-25, 31-32, 31-36, 31-47 or 31-48, subsection (b) of section 31-48b,
section 31-51, 31-51g, 31-52, 31-52a, 31-53 or 31-54, subsection (a) or (c)
of section 31-69, section 31-70, 31-74, 31-75, 31-76, 31-76a, 31-89b or 31-
134, subsection (i) of section 31 -273, section 31 -288, 31-348, 33-624, 33-
1017, 34-13d or 34-412, subdivision (1) of section 35-20, subsection (a) of
section 36a-57, subsection (b) of s ection 36a-665, section 36a -699, 36a -
739, 36a-787, 38a-2 or 38a -140, subsection (a) or (b) of section 38a -278,
section 38a-479qq, 38a-479rr, 38a-506, 38a-548, 38a-626, 38a-680, 38a-713,
38a-733, 38a-764, 38a-786, 38a-828, 38a-829, 38a-885, 42-133hh, 42-470 or
42-480, subsection (a) or (c) of section 43 -16q, section 45a -283, 45a-450,
45a-634 or 45a-658, subdivision (13) or (14) of section 46a-54, section 46a-
59, 46a -81b, 46b -22, 46b -24, 46b -34, 46b -38d, 47 -34a, 47 -47 or 47 -53,
subsection (i) of section 47a -21, subdivision (1) of subsection (k) of
section 47a-21, section 49 -2a, 49-8a, 49-16, 52-143 or 52 -289, subsection
(j) of section 52-362, section 53-133, 53-199, 53-212a, 53-249a, 53-252, 53-
264, 53-280, 53-290a, 53-302a, 53-303e, 53-311a, 53-314, 53-321, 53-322, 53-
323 or 53 -331, subsection (b) of section 53 -343a, section 53 -344,
subsection (b) or (c) of section 53-344b, subsection (b) of section 53-345a,
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Public Act No. 26-75 26 of 26

section 53-377, 53-422 or 53-450 or subsection (i) of section 54-36a, or (2)
a violation under the provisions of chapter 268, or (3) a violation of any
regulation adopted in accordance with the provisions of section 12-484,
12-487 or 13b -410, or (4) a viol ation of any ordinance, regulation or
bylaw of any town, city or borough, except violations of building codes,
the health code or an ordinance described in subdivision (5) of this
subsection, for which the penalty exceeds ninety dollars but does not
exceed two hundred fifty dollars, unless such town, city or borough has
established a payment and hearing procedure for such violation
pursuant to section 7 -152c, or (5) a violation of any ordinance adopted
by a town, city or borough pursuant to section 14 -224a, 14-390 or 14 -
390m for which the penalty does not exceed two thousand dollars,
unless such town, city or borough has established a payment and
hearing procedure for such violation pursuant to section 7 -152c, shall
follow the procedures set forth in this section.
Sec. 22. Sections 22 -33, 22 -50 to 22 -54, inclusive, and 26 -206 of the
general statutes are repealed. (Effective from passage)