This bill establishes a process for the Environmental Quality Council to designate state lands as having significant community value. It amends existing laws to include a new provision that allows county boards to apply for such designations, provided they can demonstrate that the land possesses unique historical, archaeological, wildlife, geological, or botanical features. The council is required to hold a public hearing on these applications and must consider the community value when the Board of Land Commissioners evaluates any proposed changes in use for the designated parcels.

Additionally, the bill specifies that any state land parcel designated as having significant community value cannot be considered for changes in use under a consent agenda by the Board of Land Commissioners. Instead, each proposal for these parcels must be reviewed individually, taking into account the council's findings. The bill also mandates the Board of Land Commissioners and the Environmental Quality Council to promulgate necessary rules for implementation, with the act taking effect immediately except for certain provisions that will be effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-11-112, 36-2-101