The House of Representatives has passed H.B. 5229, An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Eelgrass Working Group.

State Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, whose original bill established the task force and who was a task force member, said in a news release that the legislation “aims to implement crucial recommendations by the Eelgrass Working Group, focusing on preserving and restoring eelgrass ecosystems within the state.”

"The preservation of our coastline and marine ecosystems is paramount, not only for the environmental health of our state but for the well-being of future generations,“ Somers said in a statement. ”Eelgrass beds are vital nurseries for many species of fish and shellfish, which are crucial for our local economy and biodiversity."

Somers said she looks forward to working with her Senate colleagues to get the bill passed.