HI HB589

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to establish an initial resource land acquisition plan by June 30, 2021, as required by state law.

Mandates the department implement written policies and procedures with internal controls governing grant awards and blanket encumbrance processes to prevent missed deadlines and fund lapses.

Requires the department to track and report all transfers to and from trust accounts holding land conservation fund awards to state agencies in annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Directs the department to develop clear policies between the legacy land conservation program and the division of forestry and wildlife regarding fund distribution, requiring forestry and wildlife to follow the standard grant application process.

Requires the department to establish a centralized file system and records retention policy for all awarded projects and submit a progress report by twenty days before the 2020 regular legislative session.