Assembly Bill 633 establishes the rights of Devils Lake State Park, recognizing its right to exist, flourish, and maintain a clean environment, among other rights commonly referred to as "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. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is required to conduct an environmental study of the park and complete a full restoration within five years.
The bill empowers the attorney general to enforce these rights and allows individuals to file legal actions in the name of the park. Violations by government entities or businesses will incur a forfeiture of $1,000 per violation, and those responsible for violations will be liable for damages necessary to restore the park. The bill also ensures that any damages assessed will be allocated to the conservation fund for the exclusive use of restoring state parks, prioritizing Devils Lake State Park.