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Bill aimed at protecting state lands clears legislature

An effort to give the public greater say about transfers of state-owned land in Connecticut has cleared the General Assembly.  But the proposal did not pass the Senate or House of Representatives Wednesday with enough support to place a proposed constitutional amendment before voters this fall. Proponents needed a three-quarters majority.

Eric Hammerling, executive director of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, says the vote was still a ``huge victory.'' The bill must now pass next year by another simple majority to appear on the 2017 ballot.

Under the proposal, voters will be asked to support amending the state constitution to require a public hearing and two-thirds vote of the legislature before the ownership of state-owned land can be transferred.

Proponents say state-owned parks and forests are currently at risk.

 

Wilton Senator Toni Boucher says public lands are always under pressure from developers, but should not be sold off.  She says it would be disappointing and a detriment for many generations to come if the assets are sold off.

 

New Fairfield state Representative Richard Smith says he's in favor of protecting open space, but that this bill goes too far.  He says the safeguards are in place with a committee process and public hearing process, the full chamber also has to sign off on any conveyance bill.

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