The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6830, aims to enhance the training requirements for members and employees of inland wetlands agencies. The bill repeals the existing requirement that only one member or staff must have completed a training program and replaces it with a mandate that all members and staff must complete a comprehensive training program developed by the commissioner starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, it establishes a schedule for ongoing training, requiring members and staff to complete the program every four years, with specific deadlines for those already serving or newly appointed.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that each inland wetlands agency must submit an annual compliance statement to their municipality affirming that all required members and staff have completed the training. It also clarifies that the failure of any member or staff to complete the training will not invalidate any actions taken by the agency. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that all personnel involved in managing inland wetlands are adequately trained to fulfill their responsibilities.