The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating the structure and responsibilities of the Department of Natural Resources and its governing commission. It establishes that the department has the powers and duties as granted by law, and it creates a commission composed of seven members, with specific requirements regarding political party representation. The governor is responsible for appointing these members with the advice and consent of the senate, and the bill outlines the qualifications and terms of office for commission members, including the need for relevant training and experience in natural resources management.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission conduct public meetings, including live video conferences, and maintain an accessible archive of past meetings on its website. It specifies that the commission must appoint a director who serves at its pleasure and can delegate authority as needed. The bill also clarifies the compensation structure for commission members and employees, ensuring they are entitled to reasonable expenses while performing their duties. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within the Department of Natural Resources.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.501