This bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating Section 52706, which governs the sale of certain types of state land to public agencies for forestry or recreational purposes. Key changes include a shift in language from "shall" to "must" regarding the conditions under which land can be sold, emphasizing that the amount of land sold must be suitable for its intended use. Additionally, the bill clarifies that land sold to public agencies must be used solely for forestry or recreational purposes if it is classified as prime land, and it stipulates that if such land is no longer used for these purposes, it must revert back to the state.

The bill also introduces new procedural requirements for public agencies wishing to convey municipal forestland that was previously subject to a reversionary interest. It mandates public hearings for such conveyances and specifies that notices must be published in local newspapers. Furthermore, it outlines the financial arrangements for proceeds from the sale of municipal forestland, including a requirement for an accounting of proceeds and the distribution of funds to the state treasury. The bill defines terms such as "municipal forestland," "prime land," and "recreational purpose," ensuring clarity in the application of the law. The amendments are set to take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 324.52706