Senate Bill 613 establishes the rights of Devils Lake State Park, recognizing its inherent rights to exist, flourish, and maintain a clean environment, collectively referred to as the "rights of nature." The bill prohibits any government entity or business from engaging in activities that infringe upon these rights and mandates that state agencies review their activities and policies to identify and remedy any violations. The attorney general is empowered to enforce these rights, and individuals can also file legal actions in the name of the park. Violations are subject to a $1,000 forfeiture per incident, and responsible parties may be liable for damages necessary to restore the park.
Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct an environmental study of the park within one year, identifying any degraded ecosystems or species. The DNR must then complete a full restoration of the park within five years, prioritizing the ecosystems identified in the study. The bill emphasizes that it does not impose liabilities on the park itself or infringe upon the rights of federally recognized American Indian tribes in the state.