The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating the procedures for permit applications related to wetlands. It specifies that the Department must hold a hearing within 60 days of receiving a completed application and fee, and that the hearing must take place in the county where the wetland is located. The bill also changes the timeline for public hearing requests from 20 days to 4 days after notification of the permit application. Additionally, it mandates that the Department must provide email notifications regarding pending applications, public notices, and hearing schedules.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of local units of government in regulating wetlands within their boundaries. It requires that any ordinance adopted must comply with specific criteria, including not providing a different definition of wetland than that in the Act. The local government must also notify the Department upon adopting such an ordinance and use a standardized application form. The bill establishes a timeline for local governments to review applications and communicate their decisions to the Department, ensuring that the process is efficient and transparent.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 324.30307