This bill amends existing laws regarding state trust lands used for grazing, specifically clarifying the conditions under which lessees are not required to pay excess rental fees or face lease cancellation. It allows lessees to graze non-owned livestock without needing prior approval from the director, provided certain conditions are met. These conditions include that at least 80% of the grazed livestock must be owned by the lessee or a distinct person managed by the lessee, and that the responsibility for grazing management remains with the lessee. Additionally, the bill introduces a non-owned livestock grazing fee, capped at 10% of the annual rent for the land, based on the percentage of non-owned livestock.

The bill also repeals certain obsolete provisions, including the requirement for lessees to retain full management responsibility for all livestock grazing on state lands. The changes will apply only to leases entered into or renewed after July 1, 2026, with the act itself becoming effective on that date. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the leasing process for state lands used for grazing while ensuring that the state can still collect fees for non-owned livestock grazing.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0112 v0.6: 36-5-105