Two legislative proposals targeting the hydrilla threat—one at the state level and one at the federal level—deserve attention from lake goers and lake communities. The Twin Lakes Association board endorses both efforts and encourages TLA members to contact their state and federal representatives to support the measures.
The TLA is not a political body and rarely weighs in on proposed laws. But the Twin Lakes stand to benefit from passage of both bills, which address water quality and funding for removal of harmful plants.
The federal bill, S. 3985 State Boating Act, is perhaps the more important one for Twin Lakes. It would allow states to collect aquatic invasive species (AIS) fees during the annual boat registration process. Until recently, that was common practice. But a legal challenge resulted in separating boat registration fees from AIS fees.
This is why Connecticut boaters are now required to buy a separate AIS stamp every year. While hard data is not available, state authorities and watchdog groups say this change is all but certain to erode revenue specifically targeting hydrilla and other invasive plants.
The TLA has received three separate $75,000 grants from the state for hydrilla treatments, which are ongoing and have proven to be effective. The grants are funded through AIS fees and have helped offset expenses running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars paid by the TLA, pushing the annual budget to $500,000 and requiring regular fundraising.
The bill would allow Connecticut to again lump registration fees with AIS fees, improving compliance and making for more consistent collection that lake associations can count on year after year.
In its newsletter, the Connecticut Federation of Lakes, states:
“Reliable funding is essential if we are going to prevent the spread of invasive species, support early detection, and respond effectively when new infestations are found. Connecticut’s Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp has been an important source of funding for prevention, education, and response efforts across the state.”
The TLA is a member of this group. Individuals may also join.
If you haven’t already bought your AIS stamp for 2026, you can do so at the Online Sportsmen Licensing system.
You can find your U.S. representative here. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is here. Sen. Chris Murphy is here.
The proposed state legislation—HB 5525—would require authorities to develop a “rapid and science-based” response to hydrilla threats in lakes and water bodies “before infestations become larger, more damaging, and more expensive to manage.”
The TLA is fortunate to have detected hydrilla early and through a generous donor base been able to battle the plant before rapid spread. The effort has yielded excellent results even though the battle is expected to last at least several more years.
But there is no guarantee that another invasive plant won’t surface. A rapid-response law would establish an infrastructure for the state to act quickly. More immediately, it would help lakes that have not yet but could find hydrilla. Stopping the plant quickly helps prevent its spread via boat to other lakes.
The CFL offers this sample letter to be mailed to state representatives, which you can find here:
Subject: Please support HB 5525
Dear Representative [name here]
I am writing to urge you to support HB 5525, an act concerning a rapid response program for certain aquatic invasive species, when it comes before the house.
Aquatic invasive species such as hydrilla pose a serious threat to Connecticut’s lakes, rivers, habitats, recreation, and local economies. Once these infestations become established, they are much more difficult and expensive to contain. Connecticut needs the ability to respond quickly, strategically, and effectively when new infestations are discovered.
HB 5525 would help create a clearer rapid-response framework so that the state can move faster when time-sensitive action is needed. This is an important step toward protecting our public waters and reducing future management costs.
Please vote YES on HB 5525.
Thank you for your service and for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Town]
[Lake association or organization]