The bill amends Section 42-64.12-6 of the General Laws regarding the permissible uses of eminent domain powers. It specifically allows the Department of Environmental Management to acquire established foot paths that provide the public with reasonable access to streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds located within the state for the purposes of environmental stewardship, recreational use, and public benefit. The bill emphasizes that the Department must give due deference to any parcel of land currently used for agricultural purposes and cannot acquire such properties if doing so would materially interfere with their primary agricultural use. Additionally, the Department may allow local community groups to care for and maintain these foot paths. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
812: 42-64.12-6
812  SUB A: 42-64.12-6