The bill amends existing laws regarding mineral, timber, and other resources on state lands in Arkansas. It reduces the membership of the Natural Resources Committee by replacing certain positions and designating new roles. Specifically, the bill removes the Director of Production and Conservation of the Oil and Gas Commission, the State Geologist, and the Director of the Division of Environmental Quality from the committee. In their place, it adds the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment and allows for designees from various departments, including the Department of Finance and Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission.

Additionally, the bill modifies the notification process for leases and permits related to state lands. It eliminates the requirement to notify the Office of the State Geologist and the Oil and Gas Commission while adding the Department of Energy and Environment to the list of agencies that must be informed when an application for a lease or permit is filed. This streamlining aims to enhance the efficiency of the process while ensuring that relevant state agencies remain informed about activities concerning mineral and timber resources on state lands.

Statutes affected:
SB 368: 22-5-804(a), 22-5-807(a)
Act 445: 22-5-804(a), 22-5-807(a)