The bill amends the Drain Code of 1956 to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the processes related to the appointment of boards of determination and the consolidation of drainage districts. Key updates include the specification that the drain commissioner may appoint a board of determination made up of three disinterested property owners, with provisions for the county board chairperson to appoint the board if the commissioner is disqualified. The bill also mandates that all expenses for notifying relevant parties about meetings and decisions be covered by the drainage district upon its creation. Additionally, it modifies petition requirements for consolidating drainage districts, allowing for the inclusion of land outside existing districts and detailing the necessary signatures based on property ownership.

Further amendments address the structure and compensation of drainage boards, particularly in counties without a board of county auditors. In such cases, the chairperson of the finance committee or, if absent, a member appointed by the county board chairperson will serve on the drainage board. The bill also clarifies procedures for replacing disqualified board members and establishes compensation for board members, capped at $25.00 per meeting attended, excluding mileage and expenses. Terminology updates are included to replace "chairman" with "chairperson" and "board of supervisors" with "board of commissioners," promoting more inclusive language throughout the legislation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 280.72