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, and the lessee must maintain management responsibility for the grazing. 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 obsolete provisions related to management responsibilities and clarifies that the new regulations will apply only to leases entered into or renewed after July 1, 2026. The effective date for the changes outlined in the bill is also set for July 1, 2026.

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