This bill amends existing laws to clarify and update the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Safety concerning burning activities and the issuance of burn permits. Specifically, it reaffirms that the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources will handle most functions related to agriculture and natural resources, while excluding certain inspection functions and wildland fire responsibilities that are assigned to the Department of Public Safety.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria and authority for issuing burn permits within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. It allows the United States Forest Service supervisor or the secretary of public safety to issue permits based on safety assessments, and it establishes conditions under which permits can be revoked if circumstances change. Furthermore, it grants the secretary of public safety or their designee the authority to set controlled fires for forest and range management, contingent upon the availability of adequate resources to manage the fire's spread.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/03/2025: 1-41-4, 34-35-17, 34-35-18
Enrolled, 02/27/2025: 1-41-4, 34-35-17, 34-35-18