A recently enacted state regulation does not make growing bamboo illegal, but limits where it can be planted and sets fines for noncompliance. 

Public Act No. 13-82 entitled “An Act Regulating the Planting and Sale of Running Bamboo” was passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in June 2013 to address the growing problem with running bamboo.

Public Act No. 16-89, which amended Public Act No. 13-82, was approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Dannel P. Malloy on June 1, 2016.

Under the public act as amended, which is codified as Connecticut General Statutes section 22a-381e,

No person shall plant running bamboo or allow running bamboo to be planted on his or her property at a location that is forty feet or less from any abutting property or public right-of-way. Any person who violates the provisions of this subsection shall be fined one hundred dollars. In the case of a continuing violation, each day of continuance shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense until such time as such bamboo is removed.

In the case that the bamboo does grow beyond property lines, the grower shall be held liable for all damages caused by the bamboo and the cost of removal.

The act also adds responsibility to retail sellers and installers of bamboo. Retailers will now be required to warn customers that bamboo is a fast growing plant that may spread if not properly contained and in plain language must summarize this public act, and will also give recommendations on how to properly contain running bamboo. Any retailer or installer that violates this act will be fined $100 for each plant sold in violation.

The state legislature gave the power of enforcement to Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Enforcement Officers, Zoning Enforcement Officers, Municipal Tree Wardens, any duly authorized Municipal Constable, and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

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