The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by adding a new section, 1507, which restricts employees of the department from entering private property without proper authorization. Specifically, entry is permitted only if the property owner or lessee grants permission, or if the employee is a park and recreation officer or peace officer acting under certain conditions, such as having a warrant, believing evidence of a crime may be destroyed, or being in hot pursuit of a suspect.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 1602, clarifying the powers of department officers regarding legal proceedings and property searches. It allows officers to file complaints and prosecute violations of environmental laws without needing the sanction of a county prosecuting attorney, and it specifies that officers may search public or private property without a warrant under certain conditions, while also defining "private property" to exclude dwellings. The amendments aim to enhance the enforcement capabilities of the department while ensuring the protection of private property rights.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-1): 324.1602
House Introduced Bill: 324.1602