The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating several sections related to the regulation of high-risk areas, flood risk areas, and environmental areas. Key changes include the requirement for the Department to promulgate rules for permit issuance, emphasizing that landowner rights should be prioritized over public access rights when reviewing permit applications. The bill also introduces a new section, 32510a, which specifies that permits are not required for constructing soft erosion control structures under certain conditions, such as using biodegradable materials and filing a notice with the Department prior to installation.

Additionally, the bill modifies the penalties for violations of the act, clarifying that individuals who excavate or fill land without approval may face misdemeanor charges, and introduces a definition for "minor offense" related to permit violations. The new legal language emphasizes the use of environmentally friendly materials for erosion control structures and outlines the conditions under which these structures can be installed without a permit, thereby streamlining the process while ensuring environmental protection.

Statutes affected:
Substitute (H-2): 324.32312
House Introduced Bill: 324.32312