The Connecticut State Legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment is hearing arguments for and against a proposed ban on the trade of ivory on Wednesday, March 11. A vote may come as early as March 12. An Open Forum was set for 1 pm at the Hartford Legislative Office, 201 Capitol Avenue, Room 2B in Hartford, Conn. Sponsored by State Representative Philip J. Miller, House Bill 5731, if enacted, would ban the sale of ivory and rhinoceros horn in Connecticut. Representatives of several of Connecticut’s leading museums and historical societies, collectors, dealers and auctioneers are expected to speak in favor of an antiques exception to the law that would allow trade in historic artifacts to continue.  Anyone wishing to speak at the Open Forum must register in person by 9 am.