reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421ddd. - Sale, delivery, or giving of cannabis to person under twenty-one by person aged twenty-three or older.

Any person twenty-three years of age or older who sells, delivers or gives cannabis, as defined in section 21a-420, to any person under twenty-one years of age, and who knew or should have known that such person was under twenty-one years of age, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 163.)
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421ee. - Denial of professional licenses due to employment or affiliation with a cannabis establishment or legal possession, use or certain convictions for possession of cannabis restricted.

Except when required by federal law, an agreement between the federal government and the state, or because of a substantial risk to public health or safety, no state entity shall deny a professional license because of an individual's: (1) Employment or affiliation with a cannabis establishment; (2) possession or use of cannabis that is legal under section 21a-279a, or chapter 420f; or (3) cannabis use or possession conviction for an amount less than four ounces.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 12.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421eee. - Loitering on cannabis retailer or hybrid retailer premises.

(a) No retailer or hybrid retailer or employee or agent of a retailer or hybrid retailer shall permit any person under twenty-one years of age to loiter on his or her premises where cannabis is kept for sale or be in any room on such premises where cannabis is consumed, unless such person is (1) an employee of the retailer or hybrid retailer, (2) in the case of hybrid retailer or employee or agent of a hybrid retailer, permitted under chapter 420f to possess or consume cannabis, or (3) accompanied by his or her parent or guardian.
(b) Any retailer or hybrid retailer or employee or agent of a retailer or hybrid retailer who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be (1) fined not more than one thousand dollars for a first offense, and (2) guilty of a class B misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 110.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421ff. - Cannabis establishments, backers and employees not subject to arrest or certain other penalties. Exception.

Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, no cannabis establishment, employee, or backer of a cannabis establishment may be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for the acquisition, distribution, possession, use or transportation of cannabis or paraphernalia related to cannabis in his or her capacity as a cannabis establishment, cannabis employee, or backer so long as such person's activity is in accordance with the laws and regulations for such person's license or registration type set forth in RERACA.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 11.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421fff. - Use of motor vehicle operator's license or identity card as proof of age. Misrepresentation of age to procure cannabis.

(a) Each person who attains the age of twenty-one years and has a motor vehicle operator's license or identity card issued in accordance with the provisions of section 1-1h, containing a full-face photograph of such person, may use, and each licensee may accept, such license as legal proof of the age of the person for the purposes of RERACA.
(b) Any person who, for the purpose of procuring cannabis, misrepresents his or her age or uses or exhibits an operator's license belonging to any other person shall for (1) a first offense, be fined not more than two hundred fifty dollars, and (2) any subsequent offense, be guilty of a class D misdemeanor.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person employed by, or who has contracted directly or indirectly with, a state agency for the purposes of testing the age verification and product controls of cannabis retailers while performing such testing duties.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 108.)
History: June Sp.Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421ggg. - Photographing person whose age is in question and photocopying such person's driver's license or identity card. Use of photograph or photography. Affirmative defense. Use of online age verification system.

(a) A cannabis establishment issued a license pursuant to RERACA or an agent or employee of such licensee may require any person whose age is in question to have such person's photograph be taken by, and a photocopy of such person's driver's license or identity card issued in accordance with the provisions of section 1-1h be made by, such licensee, agent or employee as a condition of selling or delivering cannabis or cannabis products to such person.
(b) No licensee or agent or employee of a licensee shall use a photograph taken or a photocopy made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for a purpose other than the purpose specified in said subsection.
(c) No licensee or agent or employee of a licensee shall sell or otherwise disseminate a photograph taken or a photocopy made pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, or any information derived from such photograph or photocopy, to any third party for any purpose including, but not limited to, any marketing, advertising or promotional activities, except that a licensee or an agent or employee of a licensee may release such photograph, photocopy or information pursuant to a court order.
(d) In any prosecution of a licensee or an agent or employee of a licensee for selling or delivering cannabis to a person under twenty-one years of age in violation of section 21a-421aaa, or for providing cannabis to a person under twenty-one years of age in violation of section 21a-421ddd, it shall be an affirmative defense that such licensee, agent or employee sold or delivered cannabis to such person in good faith and in reasonable reliance upon the identification presented by such person and, pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, photographed the person and made a photocopy of such identification. In support of such defense, such licensee, agent or employee may introduce evidence of such photograph and photocopy.
(e) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection may require a cannabis establishment to use an online age verification system.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 106.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421hhh. - Certain gifts, sales and transfers of cannabis prohibited. Penalties.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, no person shall gift, sell or transfer cannabis to another person: (1) To induce, or in exchange for, any donation for any purpose, including, but not limited to, any charitable donation or any donation made to gain admission to any event; (2) at any location, other than a dispensary facility, retailer or hybrid-retailer, (A) where a consumer may purchase any item other than cannabis, a cannabis product or services related to cannabis, or (B) that requires consideration, including, but not limited to, membership in any club, in order to gain admission to such location; or (3) as part of any giveaway associated with attendance at any event, including, but not limited to, any giveaway made by way of a door prize, goodie bag or swag bag. The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to prohibit any gift of cannabis between individuals with a bona fide social relationship, provided such gift is made without consideration and is not associated with any commercial transaction.
(b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law: (1) Be subject to a fine imposed by a municipality under section 7-152f; (2) be fined one thousand dollars per offense, in accordance with the provisions of section 51-164n, by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection; and (3) be subject to an administrative hearing held by the Commissioner of Revenue Services pursuant to chapter 54 for failure to pay taxes, which may result in a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars per violation. For the purposes of this subsection, “per offense” and “per violation” mean either per transaction or per day the violation continues, as determined by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection for the purposes of subdivision (2) of this subsection or the Commissioner of Revenue Services for the purposes of subdivision (3) of this subsection.
(P.A. 22-103, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 22-103 effective May 24, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422. - (Note: This section is effective July 1, 2022.) Construction of positive drug test for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

A drug test of an individual that yields a positive result solely for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol shall not be construed, without other evidence, as proof that such individual is under the influence of or impaired by cannabis.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 93.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422a. - Cannabinoid metabolites in bodily fluids: Denial of medical care; actions or proceedings by the Department of Children and Families.

The presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the bodily fluids of a person:
(1) With respect to a patient, shall not constitute the use of an illicit substance resulting in denial of medical care, including organ transplantation, and a patient's use of cannabis products may only be considered with respect to evidence-based clinical criteria; and
(2) With respect to a parent or legal guardian of a child or newborn infant, or a pregnant woman, shall not form the sole or primary basis for any action or proceeding by the Department of Children and Families, or any successor agencies provided, nothing in this subdivision shall preclude any action or proceeding by such department based on harm or risk of harm to a child or the use of information on the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the bodily fluids of any person in any action or proceeding.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 94.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422b. - Positive drug test of student and enrollment in educational institution.

A drug test of a student that yields a positive result solely for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol shall not form the sole basis for an educational institution to refuse to enroll or to continue to enroll, or otherwise penalize such student, unless failing to do so would put the educational institution in violation of a federal contract or cause it to lose federal funding, or such student is being drug tested as required by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and any such action is taken as required by the policies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 95.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422c. - Use or possession of cannabis plant material, cannabis or cannabis product at institution of higher education. Prohibitions re actions against student. Exception.

No institution of higher education, as defined in section 10a-55, shall revoke any financial aid, student loans, or expel a student, solely for use or possession of less than (1) four ounces of cannabis plant material, (2) an equivalent amount of cannabis product, as provided in subsection (i) of section 21a-279a, or (3) an equivalent amount of a combination of cannabis and cannabis product, as provided in subsection (i) of section 21a-279a, unless complying with the provisions of this section would violate federal law or a federal contract, or failing to take the actions prohibited under this section would jeopardize an institution of higher education's federal funding.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 96.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422e. - Program re collection of public health information on cannabis. Report.

(a) There is established, within the Department of Public Health, a program to collect and abstract timely public health information on cannabis associated illness and adverse events, nonfatal and fatal injuries and cannabis use poisoning data, from state and national data sources. Such program shall include, but need not be limited to, the following: (1) Serving as a data coordinator, analysis and reporting source of cannabis data and statistics that include, but are not limited to, illness, adverse events, injury, pregnancy outcomes, childhood poisoning, adult and youth use, cannabis-related emergency room visits and urgent care episodic mental health visits; (2) performing epidemiologic analysis on demographic, health and mortality data to identify risk factors and changes in trends; (3) working with the Departments of Consumer Protection and Mental Health and Addiction Services and any other entity that the Commissioner of Public Health deems necessary to disseminate public health alerts; and (4) sharing state-wide data to inform policy makers and citizens on the impact of cannabis legalization by posting public health prevention information and cannabis use associated morbidity and mortality statistics to the Department of Public Health's Internet web site.
(b) The Department of Public Health shall, not later than April 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, report in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly with cognizance relating to public health, human services, and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies about the public health information on cannabis collected by the department under subsection (a) of this section.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 146.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective January 1, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422j. - Compacts, memoranda of understanding or agreements with Mashantucket Pequot Tribe or Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut re RERACA and possession, delivery, production, processing or use of cannabis.

(a) The Governor may enter into one or more compacts, amendments to existing compacts, memoranda of understanding or agreements with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe or with the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, or both, to coordinate the administration and execution of laws and regulations of this state, as set forth in RERACA, and of laws and regulations of said tribes relating to the possession, delivery, production, processing or use of cannabis. Any such compact, amendment to existing compact, memorandum of understanding or agreement may contain provisions including, but not limited to, those relating to:
(1) Criminal and civil law enforcement;
(2) Laws and regulations relating to the possession, delivery, production, processing or use of cannabis; and
(3) Laws and regulations relating to taxation.
(b) Any compact, amendment to existing compact, memorandum of understanding or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall:
(1) Provide for the preservation of public health and safety;
(2) Ensure the security of any cannabis production, processing, testing or retail facilities on tribal land; and
(3) Regulate any business involving cannabis that passes between the reservation of the tribal nation that is a party to such compact, amendment to existing compact, memorandum of understanding or agreement, and other areas in the state.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 3-6c, any compact, amendment to existing compact, memorandum of understanding or agreement, or renewal thereof, entered into by the Governor with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe or with the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, shall be considered approved by the General Assembly under section 3-6c upon the Governor entering into such compact, amendment to existing compact, memorandum of understanding or agreement, or renewal thereof, without any further action required by the General Assembly.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 150.)
History: June Sp.Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422l. - (Note: This section is effective July 1, 2022.) Possession and consumption of cannabis in hotels, motels or similar lodging. Smoking of cannabis and usage of electronic cannabis delivery system or vapor product.

(a) As used in this section, “cannabis” has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420 and “electronic cannabis delivery system” and “vapor product” have the same meanings as provided in section 19a-342a. No hotel, motel or similar lodging shall prohibit the legal possession or consumption of cannabis in any nonpublic area of such hotel, motel or similar lodging.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a hotel, motel or similar lodging shall prohibit the smoking of cannabis and the use of an electronic cannabis delivery system or a vapor product containing cannabis in any location of such hotel, motel or similar lodging.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 89.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422m. - Use of cannabis in hospitals.

As used in this section, “hospital” has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-490 and “cannabis” has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420. No hospital shall be required to allow a patient to use cannabis while at such hospital. A hospital may have a policy that sets forth restrictions patients shall follow regarding cannabis use.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 104.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422n. - Possession of cannabis in Department of Correction facilities or halfway houses.

The Commissioner of Correction may prohibit the possession of cannabis in any Department of Correction facility or halfway house.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 92.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422q. - (Note: This section is effective July 1, 2022.) Drug test of prospective and existing employees resulting in positive result for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

A drug test of a prospective or existing employee, other than a prospective or existing exempted employee, that yields a positive result solely for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, shall not form the sole basis for refusal to employ or to continue to employ or otherwise penalize such prospective or existing employee, unless (1) failing to do so would put the employer in violation of a federal contract or cause it to lose federal funding, (2) the employer reasonably suspects an employee's usage of cannabis while engaged in the performance of the employee's work responsibilities, (3) the employee manifests specific, articulable symptoms of drug impairment while working that decrease or lessen the employee's performance of the duties or tasks of the employee's job position, including, but not limited to, (A) symptoms of the employee's speech, physical dexterity, agility, coordination, demeanor, irrational or unusual behavior or negligence or carelessness in operating equipment of machinery, (B) disregard for the safety of the employee or others, or involvement in any accident that results in serious damage to equipment or property, (C) disruption of a production or manufacturing process, or (D) carelessness that results in any injury to the employee or others, or (4) except as provided in section 21a-408p, such drug test was pursuant to a random drug testing policy pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 21a-422p or was of a prospective employee with a conditional job offer, and such employer has established in such policy that a positive drug test for 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may result in an adverse employment action.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 99.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422s. - RERACA not applicable to drug testing or conditions of continued employment or for hiring employees in certain cases.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 21a-422p to 21a-422r, inclusive, nothing in RERACA shall be construed to apply to drug testing, conditions of continued employment or conditions for hiring employees required pursuant to:
(1) Any regulation of the federal Department of Transportation, if such regulation requires testing of a prospective employee in accordance with 49 CFR 40 or any regulations of state agencies that adopt a federal regulation for purposes of enforcing the requirements of such regulation with respect to intrastate commerce;
(2) Any contract entered into between the federal government and an employer or any grant of financial assistance from the federal government to an employer that requires drug testing of prospective employees as a condition of receiving the contract or grant;
(3) Any federal law or state statute, regulation or order that requires drug testing of prospective employees for safety or security purposes; or
(4) Any applicant whose prospective employer is a party to a valid collective bargaining agreement that specifically addresses drug testing, conditions of hiring, or conditions of continued employment of such applicant.
(b) Nothing in sections 21a-422p to 21a-422r, inclusive, shall apply to the privileges, qualifications, credentialing, review or discipline of nonemployee, licensed healthcare professionals on the medical staff of a hospital or other medical organization.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 101.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-422t. - Sign re storage and disposal of cannabis and cannabis products.

Not later than January 1, 2023, each retailer, as defined in section 21a-420, and hybrid retailer, as defined in section 21a-420, shall post a sign in a conspicuous place on the premises of such retailer or hybrid retailer notifying consumers that they may visit the Internet web site of the Department of Consumer Protection for information concerning the safe storage of cannabis and cannabis products and disposal of unused and expired cannabis and cannabis products.
(P.A. 22-81, S. 20.)
History: P.A. 22-81 effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-1. - Department of Agriculture.

There shall be a state Department of Agriculture, consisting of a Commissioner of Agriculture and, subject to the provisions of chapter 67, such employees as may be necessary for the performance of the duties required by the general statutes.
(1953, S. 1691d; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 309, 610; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: 1959 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture with commissioner and department of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources; 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 deleted board of agriculture and deputy commissioner, effective January 1, 1979; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-1a and 22-1b. - Commissioner, department and council, general terminology change.

Sections 22-1a and 22-1b are repealed.
(1959, P.A. 637, S. 2–5; 1961, P.A. 39, S. 2; 67; 217; February, 1965, P.A. 24, S. 1; 1967, P.A. 94, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 154.)
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-1c. - Terminology change.

As used in the general statutes, the terms “Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources”, and “Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources” and “commissioner” and “department”, when used in reference thereto, mean the Commissioner of Agriculture or the Department of Agriculture, as the case may be.
(1971, P.A. 872, S. 446; P.A. 14-122, S. 128.)
History: P.A. 14-122 made technical changes.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-2. - Board of Agriculture.

Section 22-2 is repealed.
(1953, S. 1692d; 1967, P.A. 269; P.A. 76-261, S. 1, 2; P.A. 77-614, S. 609, 610.)
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-4. - Appointment of commissioner.

The Commissioner of Agriculture shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of sections 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 and 4-8. Said commissioner shall receive an annual salary to be determined as provided by section 4-40 and shall devote his full time to the duties of his office.
(1949 Rev., S. 3053; 1953, 1955, June, 1955, S. 1694d; 1959, P.A. 637, S. 2; 1961, P.A. 67; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 311, 610; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: 1959 act replaced commissioner of agriculture with commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources; 1961 act replaced commissioner of agriculture, conservation and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture and natural resources; 1971 act replaced commissioner of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 replaced “sections 4-5 to 4-8, inclusive” with list of individual sections, effective January 1, 1979; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-4a. - Delegation of commissioner's authority.

(a) The Commissioner of Agriculture may designate as his agent any state or regional agency or municipality or employee thereof and delegate to such agent the authority to inspect in connection with the enforcement of the provisions of this title, or any regulation adopted, or permit or order issued, by the commissioner pursuant to this title. Any delegation of authority by the commissioner shall be with the consent of such state or regional agency or municipality.
(b) Prior to the delegation of such authority, the Commissioner of Agriculture shall consider: (1) Whether a potential designee has or can obtain knowledge and training to carry out the delegated authority; (2) whether the delegated authority is within the jurisdiction of a potential designee pursuant to any other statute, regulation or local ordinance; and (3) whether a potential designee has the financial and administrative capacity to carry out the delegation.
(c) Notwithstanding any delegation of authority pursuant to this section, the Commissioner of Agriculture shall retain authority to act under the provisions of this title and any decision by the commissioner shall preempt the decision of a designee.
(P.A. 95-141, S. 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: June 30 P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-4b. - Designation of agents by commissioner. Designation of hearing officers by commissioner.

The Commissioner of Agriculture may designate as an agent of the commissioner: (1) Any deputy commissioner or any employee of the department to exercise all or part of the authority, powers and duties of said commissioner in the absence of the commissioner, (2) any deputy commissioner or any employee, assistant or agent employed by the Department of Agriculture to exercise such authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture as the commissioner delegates for the administration or enforcement of any applicable statute, regulation, permit or order, (3) any deputy commissioner, employee, assistant or agent employed by the Department of Agriculture who is deemed qualified by the commissioner to act as a hearing officer in administrative hearings, (4) two or more qualified persons, one of whom shall be designated as the presiding officer to conduct administrative hearings, and (5) any qualified person to serve as a hearing officer for contested cases who may be compensated for such service. Any such hearing officer appointed by the commissioner shall render a proposed final decision or the final decision as directed by the commissioner except that the commissioner or deputy commissioner shall consider and make the final decision when modification or reconsideration of a contested case is requested by a party pursuant to section 4-181a.
(P.A. 95-141, S. 3; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 119.)
History: June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 amended Subdiv. (1) by adding provisions authorizing commissioner to designate employee of department as agent of commissioner, added Subdiv. (3) authorizing commissioner to designate deputy commissioner, employee, assistant or agent employed by department as hearing officer, added Subdiv. (4) authorizing commissioner to designate 2 or more qualified persons, 1 of whom to be designated as presiding officer, added Subdiv. (5) authorizing commissioner to designate any qualified person as hearing officer for contested cases, added provision re timing for rendering of proposed final decision or final decision, and made technical changes.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6a. - Receipt of federal funds and gifts by commissioner.

The Commissioner of Agriculture may, subject to any limitations otherwise imposed by law, receive and accept on behalf of the Department of Agriculture or any component agency thereof any funds which may be offered or which may become available from federal grants or appropriations, private gifts, donations or bequests, or any other source and may expend such funds for the purposes of such grants or appropriations, gifts, donations or bequests.
(February, 1965, P.A. 41, S. 1; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
See Sec. 22a-22 re acceptance of federal aid by Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6b. - Refunds of sums paid Department of Agriculture.

The Comptroller, upon application of the Commissioner of Agriculture, may draw his order upon the Treasurer in favor of any person equitably entitled to the refund of any money paid to any component agency of the Department of Agriculture for the amount of such refund as determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture, provided, if the amount of such refund exceeds two hundred fifty dollars, such refund shall only be made with the approval of the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.
(1969, P.A. 15; 1971, P.A. 872, S. 446, 448; P.A. 77-614, S. 19, 610; P.A. 82-207, S. 1, 2; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: 1971 act replaced commissioner and department of agriculture and natural resources with commissioner and department of agriculture; P.A. 77-614 replaced commissioner of finance and control with secretary of the office of policy and management; P.A. 82-207 amended the section to increase from $25 to $250 the amount the department can refund without approval of the secretary of the office of policy and management; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6d. - Definitions.

As used in section 22-6e: “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture; “department” means the Department of Agriculture; “garden” means a piece of land appropriate for the cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables; “sponsor” means any municipal agency or nonprofit civic service association or organization designated by the commissioner to operate a program pursuant to section 22-6e; “use” means, when applied to gardening, to make use of, without conveyance of title or any other ownership; “vacant public land” means any land owned by the state, or any municipality therein, that is not in use for public purposes; “agricultural restoration purposes” means reclamation of grown-over pastures and meadows, installation of fences in restoration areas to keep wildlife out of such areas, manage livestock and to keep livestock out of riparian areas, climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices, including such practices in urban communities, soil health improvements, replanting of vegetation on erosion prone land or along streams, restoration and improvement of water runoff patterns, improvement of water sources and irrigation efficiency, conducting hedgerow and woodlot management, including the removal of invasive plants and timber, purchasing farm equipment to improve soil health or renovating farm ponds through farm pond management and any incidental land clearing activities attendant to such reclamation, installation, restoration, replanting, improvement, management or renovating; and “climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices” means practices developed or prescribed by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to said department's climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy.
(P.A. 75-497, S. 1, 4; P.A. 77-75, S. 1, 3; P.A. 82-327, S. 9; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e), (f); P.A. 04-189, S. 1; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1, S. 12; P.A. 15-22, S. 2; P.A. 22-118, S. 146.)
History: P.A. 77-75 defined “sponsor”; P.A. 82-327 removed the reference to a repealed Sec. 7-152a; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner and Department of Agriculture with Commissioner and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004; Oct. Sp. Sess. P.A. 11-1 defined “agricultural restoration purposes”, effective October 27, 2011; P.A. 15-22 redefined “agricultural restoration purposes” and made a technical change; P.A. 22-118 redefined “agricultural restoration purposes” to include reference to climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices and include reference to soil health improvements, improvement of water sources, woodlot management and purchasing farm equipment to improve soil health and defined “climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices”.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6f. - Participation in farmers' market coupon programs. Regulations.

(a) The Commissioners of Agriculture and Public Health are authorized to take advantage of the farmers' market program under the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children, as amended from time to time and other farmers' market programs. Such programs shall be administered in a manner consistent with federal laws and regulations, where applicable.
(b) The commissioners may (1) establish guidelines for the certification of farmers who are eligible for the program, (2) issue compliance orders to participating farmers and (3) take any action necessary to recoup from a participant or contractor any grant funds which, through negligence or fraud, were misused or otherwise diverted from the purposes of the program.
(c) The Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the Commissioner of Public Health, may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of this section.
(P.A. 90-313, S. 1, 2; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 93-381 replaced commissioner of health services with commissioner of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6h. - Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Purposes. Administration.

(a) There is established the Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program which shall 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 program through the distribution of vouchers that are redeemable only at designated Connecticut farmers' markets. 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 to be at nutritional risk and to stimulate an increased demand for Connecticut-grown fresh produce at Connecticut farmers' markets.
(b) The program shall be administered by the Commissioner of Agriculture who shall maintain all conditions as outlined in the farmers' market nutrition agreement entered into with USDA-FNS, as amended.
(P.A. 94-187, S. 2, 12; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, S. 146(e); P.A. 04-189, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6 replaced Commissioner of Agriculture with Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective July 1, 2004; P.A. 04-189 repealed Sec. 146 of June 30 Sp. Sess. P.A. 03-6, thereby reversing the merger of the Departments of Agriculture and Consumer Protection, effective June 1, 2004.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6j. - Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Responsibilities of participants.

Participants shall be responsible for:
(1) Qualifying under WIC program guidelines and attending a designated distribution clinic during the relevant distribution cycles when vouchers are dispersed;
(2) Properly countersigning a voucher prior to use;
(3) Using vouchers only to purchase Connecticut-grown fresh produce from certified vendors who display CFM/WIC signs at authorized farmers' markets;
(4) Redeeming vouchers on or before the expiration date printed on the face of the voucher or surrendering all claim to the value of vouchers that remain unredeemed;
(5) Ensuring vouchers that are received are not assigned to any other party other than as provided by the department;
(6) Reporting violations or problems to the department or the local agency; and
(7) Reporting all incidents of lost or stolen vouchers to the local agency.
(P.A. 94-187, S. 4, 12; P.A. 21-155, S. 8.)
History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 21-155 amended Subdiv. (2) to replace “at time of use in the presence of the certified vendor who is accepting each voucher in exchange for fresh produce” with “prior to use”, effective July 12, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6k. - Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Records. Authorization of markets.

(a) Each authorized farmers' market 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. Farmers' market assurances shall be submitted in a manner outlined by the department and shall provide evidence of:
(1) Whether a farmers' market possesses the capability to serve the additional demands brought about by distribution of vouchers in the area without causing undue harm to the existing farmers' market consumer base; and
(2) A willingness by persons associated with the farmers' market to meet all CFM/WIC requirements. Information submitted by a farmers' market shall include, but not be limited to:
(A) The number of Connecticut-grown fresh produce vendor participants;
(B) Hours of operation to be maintained per week;
(C) Season of operation; and
(D) Accessibility and consistency of farmers' market location.
(b) The department shall give priority to a farmers' market with previous involvement in CFM/WIC provided the farmers' market has maintained the conditions outlined in its farmers' market assurances and does not have a high incidence of certified vendor 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 standard 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.
(P.A. 94-187, S. 5, 12; P.A. 16-89, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 16-89 amended Subsec. (a)(2) to make technical changes, effective June 1, 2016.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 22 - Agriculture. Domestic Animals › Chapter 422 - Department of Agriculture › Section 22-6l. - Connecticut Farmers' Market/Women, Infants and Children Program: Vendor certification.

(a) Vendor certification shall not be in effect and vouchers shall not be accepted until receipt by the applicant of a certified vendor identification stamp, a certified vendor identification sign and the applicant copy of the department-vendor agreement.
(b) Each vendor certification shall be valid for three years. The department shall not limit the number of vendors who may become certified under CFM/WIC. A vendor who satisfies all the following criteria shall be certified to accept vouchers:
(1) Agrees to maintain only Connecticut-grown fresh produce on display in a certified vendor stall;
(2) Indicates an intent to participate in one or more authorized farmers' markets;
(3) Demonstrates participation 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;
(4) Submits a signed statement of receipts of a vendor certification handbook;
(5) Submits a completed application and crop plan to the department prior to the deadline established by the department; and
(6) Submits completed and signed certified vendor agreements to the department.
(P.A. 94-187, S. 6, 12; P.A. 21-155, S. 9.)
History: P.A. 94-187 effective July 1, 1994; P.A. 21-155 amended Subsec. (b) to replace provision re expiration of vendor certification at end of each year of issuance with provision re validity of vendor certification for 3 years, effective July 12, 2021.