Corrects statutory references remaining from the transfer of the State Land Office from the Department of Natural Resources to the Division of Administration
Impact
The bill specifically reassigns the authority to manage the sale of timber and water bottoms from the Department of Natural Resources to the Register of the State Land Office. This change is intended to streamline operations and ensure that the procedures align with the new organizational structure. By consolidating responsibilities under the State Land Office, the legislation aims to enhance efficiency in managing the state’s natural resources and bolster consistency in land use policies across different administrative divisions.
Summary
House Bill 422 aims to amend various statutory references that have remained after the transfer of the State Land Office responsibilities from the Department of Natural Resources to the Division of Administration. This bill seeks to update and clarify the responsibilities related to the sale, evaluation, and management of timber and state lands, including the processes for advertising and conducting sales, as well as the collection and distribution of revenues from such sales.
Sentiment
Legislative discussions surrounding HB 422 have generally reflected a sense of support for the need to clarify statutory references and improve the management structure of state lands. Many lawmakers and stakeholders regard this bill as a necessary administrative housekeeping measure that will help in the effective oversight of natural resources, particularly in times of increasing demand for land and timber management. However, there are always concerns from advocacy groups about ensuring that such legislative changes do not undermine environmental protections or local governance.
Contention
While there appears to be a consensus on the intent to streamline the management of timber and land sales, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the implications of transferring powers from the Department of Natural Resources. Critics worry that this centralization might limit local input and control over natural resource management, potentially leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that does not account for the unique ecological and community needs of different regions. Thus, while the intent is to simplify processes, it remains vital to strike a balance between efficiency and local governance.
Updating references and corresponding changes related to 2021 Executive Reorganization Order No. 48 and the transfer of the division of tourism from the department of wildlife and parks to the department of commerce.
Creating the Kansas office of natural resources within the executive branch and transferring certain duties of the Kansas water office, and the department of agriculture, division of conservation and division of water resources to such office.
Transfers the responsibilities of the Atchafalaya Basin Research and Promotion Board and the Atchafalaya Basin Program from within the Department of Natural Resources to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. (7/1/18) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Enacts Alison Neustrom Act and provides relative to prescribed marijuana for therapeutic uses and the development of rules and regulations by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. (gov sig)
Provides for the merger of the Feed, Fertilizer, and Agricultural Liming Commission and the Seed Commission and creates the Agricultural Chemistry and Seed Commission. (gov sig)
Transfers the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. (7/1/13) (EN SEE FISC NOTE EX See Note)