This bill amends the Endangered Species Conservation Act to enhance the consultation process for applicants seeking permits, approvals, or other written authorizations from state departments or agencies. It mandates that applicants submit a request for consultation to the executive director of the fish and game department, which must include proposed conservation measures and relevant application materials. The executive director is required to confirm receipt of the request within 10 days and provide a determination within 60 days, with specific actions outlined for compliance with conservation requirements. Additionally, if the executive director fails to act within the specified timeframe, the permit request will be deemed compliant if the applicant follows their proposed conservation measures.

Furthermore, the bill establishes provisions for the threatened and endangered species compensatory mitigation fund, requiring the executive director to adopt rules that specify when payments to the fund are necessary for impacts on threatened and endangered species or their habitats. The fund is designed to support projects that provide net conservation benefits, and the executive director can accept payments for unavoidable habitat loss without needing further approvals. The bill also includes a requirement for annual reporting on fund activities and mandates that rules regarding mitigation payments be established within one year of the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 189:13-a