AK HB220

Changes department authority from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for granting easements and rights-of-way within state parks for private property access and public utility infrastructure installation, operation, maintenance, upgrade, removal, or replacement

Requires the commissioner to approve or disapprove applications within 60 days of receiving a complete application; if no decision is made within 60 days, the easement or right-of-way is automatically approved unless prohibited by other law

Prohibits the department from offering lesser land use authorizations in lieu of easements when applicants meet the qualification criteria of not unduly affecting park resources, being in the public interest, and complying with applicable law

Establishes application requirements including descriptions of public benefit, proposed location, utility facilities, an environmental effects assessment, and a GPS survey (cadastral survey not required)

Requires the department to adopt regulations making existing valid section line easements and other recognized easements available for public use without imposing restrictions that unreasonably interfere with utility or private property access