Substitute Bill No. 7367 Summary

• Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection authorized to grant leases on state-owned submerged lands underlying lighthouses for preservation purposes under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, with lease terms of 30 years (renewable if sold) or coterminous with applicable lease if leased.

• Lease conditions must include reasonable public access for nonprofit organizations, preservation of historic structures, and public education, while lessees remain responsible for obtaining all applicable federal, state, and local permits.

• Penfield Reef lighthouse specifically permitted to be used as a columbarium (repository for cremated remains) if the lease includes a plan for relocating remains upon lease termination or non-renewal and receives Commissioner approval.

• Penfield Reef lighthouse owner remains liable for all costs associated with cleanup, remediation, or reconstruction if the lighthouse is damaged or destroyed, and any lease assignment to a third party requires Commissioner approval.

• Vault, crypt, columbarium, or mausoleum construction approved at established cemeteries (5+ acres in operation 5+ years) or smaller cemeteries with local approval, plus $1,250 fee to Department of Public Health; Penfield Reef lighthouse added as permitted location.

• Effective date: July 1, 2019.