H.B. 2279 Summary

• Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to consider insurance coverage that mitigates risks when conducting dam and reservoir safety inspections, and allows reclassification based on valid insurance.

• Places the burden of proof on DLNR to establish that a dam, reservoir, or appurtenance is "high hazard" using an engineering report finding probable loss of human life and a certified hydraulic engineer study considering distances, water courses, soil percolation, and realistic failure assessments.

• Establishes a presumption that dams, reservoirs, and appurtenances are safe absent the required engineering documentation, and requires DLNR to relax restrictions and stringent standards upon verification of valid insurance coverage meeting specified conditions.

• Amends the Dam and Appurtenance Improvement or Removal Grant Program to require the board to consider existing insurance policies in risk assessments and directs DLNR to develop and publicly disclose grant award criteria.

• Establishes procedural requirements for additional grant conditions including fairness standards, transparency, written communication, public availability, and applicant appeal rights under section 179D-7.