SB 376 Summary

• Prohibits mining, extraction, and removal of minerals from the seabed in all state marine waters, effective upon approval.

• Prohibits the issuance of any permit for development or operation of facilities or infrastructure associated with seabed mining within state marine waters.

• Permits beach sand collection from state marine waters for beach replenishment with prior approval from the board of land and natural resources.

• Exempts scientific research and collections conducted by educational, scientific, research institutions, or governmental agencies from the seabed mining prohibition.

• Defines "minerals" to include metals, placer deposits, nonmetallic minerals, gemstones, and specifically polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.