South Dakota House Bill HB1090

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/22
• Refer: 1/20/22

Caption

Require an annual report on nonmeandered waters.

Impact

The bill seeks to impact state laws by introducing a structured approach to report on the status and management of nonmeandered waters. By requiring detailed reporting on public access and agreements with landowners, it aims to facilitate better oversight and engagement with involved stakeholders. The emphasis on public hearings following the dissemination of the report indicates an effort to involve community voices in the discussion around recreational access and landowner rights, potentially leading to more informed policy-making.

Summary

House Bill 1090 aims to establish a requirement for an annual report on nonmeandered waters within South Dakota. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks provides a comprehensive report to the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council annually. This report should include estimates of the nonmeandered lakes accessible for public recreation, analyses of agreements with landowners regarding access, and summaries of any complaints or legal actions related to violations on nonmeandered waters. The intent is to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the management of these water bodies.

Contention

A notable point of contention around HB1090 lies in the balance between recreational access and landowner rights. While supporters argue that the bill promotes public access to nonmeandered waters and encourages effective management of these resources, critics may raise concerns that it places additional burdens on landowners by necessitating agreements and may not adequately address their rights and concerns. The requirement for public hearings also raises questions about how effectively the voices of different stakeholders, including landowners and recreational users, will be integrated into the decision-making process.