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 allowing designees to represent members. 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, while adding the Secretary of the Department of Energy and Environment. Additionally, it 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, to participate in committee activities.

Furthermore, 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 when an application for a lease or permit is filed. Instead, it specifies that the Commissioner of State Lands must notify the Department of Energy and Environment, along with other relevant state agencies that may have an interest in the proposed lease or permit area. This streamlining aims to enhance the efficiency of the leasing process while ensuring that appropriate agencies remain informed.

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