HB2572 proposes the establishment of the State Land Oversight Board (Oversight Board) and revises the membership of the State Land Board of Appeals (Board of Appeals). The bill increases the Board of Appeals members from five to seven and expands the number of districts from three to five, with new district representations. Members will be appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, and must represent specific industries such as natural resources, agriculture, commercial development or transportation, energy, and land or wildlife conservation. The term of appointment is reduced from six to four years.

The Oversight Board will have the same members as the Board of Appeals and will be responsible for reviewing and approving the sale or lease of state land involving more than 1,000 acres or valued at over $500,000, or natural products involving significant water or monetary value. The bill outlines the process for review, action, approval, and execution of proposed sales or leases, and establishes an approval process for improvements subject to reimbursement over $1,000,000. It also sets public meeting requirements for the Oversight Board and prohibits members from participating in matters where they have a direct financial interest. Current Oversight Board members can continue to serve until the end of their terms, and the bill defines "direct financial interest" and makes technical and conforming changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 37-213, 38-211, 38-611