The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1498, seeks to amend the existing park replacement statute by introducing new requirements for municipalities that take, convert, or repurpose land originally acquired for park or recreational purposes. The bill stipulates that if a municipality engages in such actions for highway or other nonpark purposes, it must provide comparable replacement land that is at least equal in value and size to the land being taken. Additionally, before proceeding with the conversion or repurposing of the land, municipalities are required to hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed actions, the reasons for them, and the details of the replacement land.

Key insertions in the bill include the terms "converts or repurposes," the specification that the land can be in the municipality's possession, and the requirement for public hearings to be held with specific notice provisions. The bill also clarifies that the term "municipality" encompasses towns, cities, boroughs, and other political subdivisions of the state. The existing language in Section 7-131n is repealed and replaced with these new provisions, which aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the process of land conversion for nonpark purposes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-131n
ENV Joint Favorable: 7-131n
File No. 613: 7-131n
APP Joint Favorable: 7-131n