Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the current permit system for accessing land and water resources on state land.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Natural Resources to issue general permits to allow activity on state land if the activity is unlikely to result in significant and irreparable harm to state land or resources (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes only the state, an agency or a political subdivision of the state, or an agency of the United States to apply to maintain a specified in-stream flow or level of water, whereas current law authorizes an individual to apply (Sec. 40).

• Authorizes an individual who applied for a water reservation application but is no longer authorized to apply under this bill to transfer the application to a state entity (Sec. 44).

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to refund the application fee if the transferred application is not pursued within 2 years (Sec. 44).

• Limits administrative appeals or requests for reconsideration to those in which an individual is “substantially and adversely affected” by the final written finding of the Director of Natural Resources, whereas current law allows an “aggrieved” individual to file an appeal (Sec. 4).

• Defines an “adversely affected” individual as someone who is directly affected by a decision made by the department either by a physical or financial detriment to the individual's interests (Sec. 39).

Full Bill Text